[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 38, Number 17 (Monday, April 29, 2002)]
[Pages 683-684]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Message on the Observance of Armenian Remembrance Day

April 24, 2002

    Today, we commemorate an appalling tragedy of the 20th century, the 
massacre of as many as 1.5 million Armenians through forced exile and 
murder at the end of the Ottoman Empire. These horrific killings left 
wounds that remain painful for people in Armenia, in Turkey, and around 
the world. I join the Armenian community in America and across the globe 
in mourning this horrendous loss of life.
    Today is an occasion for the world to reflect upon and draw lessons 
from these terrible events. It is a day for recognizing that demonizing 
others lays the foundation for a dark cycle of hatred. Transcending this 
venomous pattern requires painful introspection about the past and wise 
determination to forge a new future based on truth and reconciliation. 
In this spirit, I look forward to Turkey restoring economic, political, 
and cultural links with Armenia.
    The United States greatly values the contributions that Armenians 
make to our national life. With faith and courage, generations of 
Armenians have overcome great suffering and proudly preserved their 
centuries-old culture, traditions, and religion. The United States is 
also deeply grateful for Armenia's swift and decisive cooperation in the 
war against terrorism. Just as the United States reached out to the 
Armenian people to provide shelter and freedom early in the last 
century, so did Armenia extend a supportive hand to the American people 
in the immediate aftermath of September 11. Our two peoples stand 
together in this fight in support of values that define civilization 
itself.
    I am also very proud of America's strong support for a free Armenian 
state, whose citizens enjoy the fruits of peace and increasing 
prosperity. In the months to come, America will continue to increase its 
security cooperation with Armenia and with Armenia's neighbors to combat 
terrorism and pursue a lasting and just settlement to the Nagorno-
Karabakh conflict, which will strengthen peace and stability in the 
Caucasus. The United States will also continue its strong support for 
Armenia's efforts to develop democratic and free market institutions, 
and to deepen its integration into the Euro-Atlantic community.
    On behalf of the American people, I send warm wishes and expressions 
of solidarity to the Armenian people on this solemn day of remembrance. 
Together, our nations look

[[Page 684]]

with hope and determination toward a future of peace, prosperity, and 
freedom.
                                                George W. Bush

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