[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 39, Number 17 (Monday, April 28, 2003)]
[Pages 484-485]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

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Message on the Observance of Armenian Remembrance Day, 2003

April 24, 2003

    Today marks the anniversary of a horrible tragedy, the mass killings 
and forced exile of countless Armenians in the final days of the Ottoman 
Empire. Many Armenians refer to these appalling events as the ``great 
calamity,'' reflecting a deep sorrow that continues to haunt them and 
their neighbors, the Turkish people. The suffering that befell the 
Armenian people in 1915 is a tragedy for all humanity, which the world 
should not forget. I join the Armenian-American community and Armenians 
around the world in mourning the horrendous loss of life.
    I also salute our wise and bold friends from Armenia and Turkey who 
are coming together in a spirit of reconciliation to consider these 
events and their significance. I applaud them for rising above 
bitterness, and taking action to create a better future. I wish them 
success, building on their recent and significant achievements, as they 
work together in a spirit of hope and understanding.
    As we remember those who perished and suffered, we salute the nation 
of Armenia, and Armenians everywhere. The United States is grateful for 
the contributions of Armenian Americans to our national life. 
Generations of Armenians have employed wisdom, courage, and centuries-
old traditions to overcome great suffering and enrich their adopted 
American homeland.
    The United States is proud to be a friend of Armenia, a young state 
with an ancient heritage. We are deepening our partnership to help 
achieve a secure, prosperous, and dignified future for the citizens of 
Armenia. The United States is committed to achieving a just and lasting 
settlement to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. We will also continue to 
help Armenia as it strives to strengthen its democracy and market 
economy.
    On behalf of the American people, I send solemn wishes to the 
Armenian people on this day of remembrance. Our nations stand together, 
determined to create a future of peace, prosperity, and freedom for the 
citizens of our countries, for our regions, and for the world.
                                                George W. Bush

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