    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2008, Book I)]
    [April 24, 2008]
    [Page 578]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Armenian Remembrance Day
    April 24, 2008

        On this day of remembrance, we honor the memory of the victims of
    one of the greatest tragedies of the 20th century, the mass killings and
    forced exile of as many as 1.5 million Armenians at the end of the
    Ottoman Empire. I join the Armenian community in America and around the
    world in commemorating this tragedy and mourning the loss of so many
    innocent lives.
        As we reflect on this epic human tragedy, we must resolve to
    redouble our efforts to promote peace, tolerance, and respect for the
    dignity of human life. The Armenian people's unalterable determination
    to triumph over tragedy and flourish is a testament to their strength of
    character and spirit. We are grateful for the many contributions
    Americans of Armenian heritage have made to our Nation.
        We welcome the efforts by individuals in Armenia and Turkey to
    foster reconciliation and peace and support joint efforts for an open
    examination of the past in search of a shared understanding of these
    tragic events. We look forward to the realization of a fully normalized
    Armenia-Turkey relationship.
        The United States is committed to a strong relationship with Armenia
    based on shared values. We call on the Government of Armenia to take
    decisive steps to promote democracy and will continue our support for
    Armenia to this end. We remain committed to serving as an honest broker
    in pursuit of a lasting and peaceful settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh
    conflict.
        On this solemn day of remembrance, Laura and
    I express our deepest condolences to Armenian people around the world.