[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 37, Number 17 (Monday, April 30, 2001)]
[Pages 659-660]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Message Commemorating the Forced Exile and Annihilation of Armenians in 
the Ottoman Empire

April 24, 2001

    Today marks the commemoration of one of the great tragedies of 
history: the forced exile and annihilation of approximately 1.5 million 
Armenians in the closing years of the Ottoman Empire. These infamous 
killings darkened the 20th century and continue to haunt us to this day. 
Today, I join Armenian Americans and the Armenian community abroad to 
mourn the loss of so many innocent lives. I ask all Americans to reflect 
on these terrible events.
    While we mourn the tragedy that scarred the history of the Armenian 
people, let us also celebrate their indomitable will which has allowed 
Armenian culture, religion, and identity to flourish through the ages. 
Let us mark this year the 1700th anniversary of the establishment of 
Christianity in Armenia. Let us celebrate the spirit that illuminated 
the pages of history in 451 when the Armenians refused to bow to Persian 
demands that they renounce their faith. The Armenian reply was both 
courageous and unequivocal: ``From this faith none can shake us, neither 
angels, nor men, neither sword, fire or water, nor any bitter 
torturers.'' This is the spirit that survived again in the face of the 
bitter fate that befell so many Armenians at the end of the Ottoman 
Empire.
    Today, that same spirit not only survives, but thrives in Armenian 
communities the world over. Many Armenian survivors and their 
descendants chose to live in the United States, where they found safety 
and built new lives. We are grateful for the countless ways in which 
Armenian Americans continue to enrich America's science, culture, 
commerce and, indeed, all aspects of our national life.
    One of the most important ways in which we can honor the memory of 
Armenian victims of the past is to help modern Armenia build a secure 
and prosperous future. I am proud that the United States actively 
supports Armenia and its neighbors in finding

[[Page 660]]

a permanent and fair settlement to the Nagorno-Karabakh dispute. I hope 
that this year we will see peace and reconciliation flourish in the 
south Caucasus region between Armenia and all its neighbors. The United 
States welcomes the opportunity to support the courageous efforts by the 
Armenian people to overcome years of hardship and Soviet repression to 
create a prospering, democratic, and sovereign Republic of Armenia.
    Let us remember the past and let its lessons guide us as we seek to 
build a better future. In the name of the American people, I extend my 
heartfelt best wishes to all Armenians as we observe this solemn day of 
remembrance.
                                                George W. Bush