    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1999, Book I)]
    [April 19, 1999]
    [Page 581]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement Commemorating the Deportation and Massacre of Armenians in the
    Ottoman Empire
    April 19, 1999

        This week marks the commemoration of one of the saddest chapters of
    this century: the deportations and massacres of one and a half million
    Armenians in the closing years of the Ottoman Empire.
        We join with Armenian-Americans across the Nation and with the
    Armenian community abroad to mourn the loss of so many innocent lives.
    Today, against the background of events in Kosovo, all Americans should
    recommit themselves to building a world where such events never occur
    again.
        As we learn from the past, we also build for the future. In this
    country, Armenian-Americans have made great contributions to every
    field, from science to commerce to culture. Meanwhile, the people of
    Armenia, who suffered not only from the massacres but the ravages of two
    World Wars and the pain of 70 years of Soviet rule, at last have
    obtained their independence and their freedom. Armenia is pursuing
    democratic and market reforms, assuming its rightful place among the
    members of the Euro-Atlantic community of nations. We wish the people of
    Armenia--and all of their neighbors in the Caucasus region--success in
    their efforts to bring about the lasting peace and prosperity that they
    deserve. America will continue to support these efforts.
        On behalf of the American people, I extend my best wishes to all
    Armenians at this time of remembrance.