    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: WILLIAM J. CLINTON (2000, Book I)]
    [April 24, 2000]
    [Page 770]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    [[Page 770]]

    Statement Commemorating the Deportation and Massacre of Armenians in the
    Ottoman Empire
    April 24, 2000

        Today we remember a great tragedy of the 20th century: the
    deportations and massacres of roughly one and a half million Armenians
    in the final years of the Ottoman Empire. I join Armenians around the
    world, including the Armenian-American community, in mourning the loss
    of those innocent lives. I also extend my sympathy to the survivors and
    their descendants for the hardships they suffered. I call upon all
    Americans to renew their commitment to build a world where such events
    are not allowed to happen again. The lesson we must learn from the stark
    annals of history is that we must forge a more humane future for the
    peoples of all nations.
        Our own society has benefited immeasurably from the contributions of
    Armenian-Americans. They have enriched every aspect of American life,
    from science to commerce to the arts. For the past 8\1/2\ years, the
    Armenian people have been engaged in an historic undertaking to
    establish democracy and prosperity in the independent Republic of
    Armenia. Their courage, energy, and resourcefulness inspire the
    admiration of all Americans, and we are proud to extend our assistance
    to help realize the dream of a vital and vibrant Armenia. The United
    States fully supports the efforts of Armenia and its neighbors to make
    lasting peace with one another and to begin an era of security and
    cooperation in the Caucasus region. We encourage any and all dialog
    between citizens of the region that hastens reconciliation and
    understanding.
        On behalf of the American people, I extend my best wishes to all
    Armenians on this solemn day of remembrance.