[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.