    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2002, Book I)]
    [April 24, 2002]
    [Page 661]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Message on the Observance of Armenian Remembrance Day
    April 24, 2002

        Today, we commemorate an appalling tragedy of the 20th century, the
    massacre of as many as 1.5 million Armenians through forced exile and
    murder at the end of the Ottoman Empire. These horrific killings left
    wounds that remain painful for people in Armenia, in Turkey, and around
    the world. I join the Armenian community in America and across the globe
    in mourning this horrendous loss of life.
        Today is an occasion for the world to reflect upon and draw lessons
    from these terrible events. It is a day for recognizing that demonizing
    others lays the foundation for a dark cycle of hatred. Transcending this
    venomous pattern requires painful introspection about the past and wise
    determination to forge a new future based on truth and reconciliation.
    In this spirit, I look forward to Turkey restoring economic, political,
    and cultural links with Armenia.
        The United States greatly values the contributions that Armenians
    make to our national life. With faith and courage, generations of
    Armenians have overcome great suffering and proudly preserved their
    centuries-old culture, traditions, and religion. The United States is
    also deeply grateful for Armenia's swift and decisive cooperation in the
    war against terrorism. Just as the United States reached out to the
    Armenian people to provide shelter and freedom early in the last
    century, so did Armenia extend a supportive hand to the American people
    in the immediate aftermath of September 11. Our two peoples stand
    together in this fight in support of values that define civilization
    itself.
        I am also very proud of America's strong support for a free Armenian
    state, whose citizens enjoy the fruits of peace and increasing
    prosperity. In the months to come, America will continue to increase its
    security cooperation with Armenia and with Armenia's neighbors to combat
    terrorism and pursue a lasting and just settlement to the Nagorno-
    Karabakh conflict, which will strengthen peace and stability in the
    Caucasus. The United States will also continue its strong support for
    Armenia's efforts to develop democratic and free market institutions,
    and to deepen its integration into the Euro-Atlantic community.
        On behalf of the American people, I send warm wishes and expressions
    of solidarity to the Armenian people on this solemn day of remembrance.
    Together, our nations look with hope and determination toward a future
    of peace, prosperity, and freedom.

                                                              George W. Bush

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