[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 35, Number 16 (Monday, April 26, 1999)]
[Page 680]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
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.