[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 36, Number 17 (Monday, May 1, 2000)]
[Page 916]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
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.