Armenian National Committee of America
1711 N Street, NW
Washington, DC 20036
Tel. (202) 775-1918
Fax. (202) 775-5648
Email [email protected]
Internet
PRESS RELEASE
April 24, 2008
Contact: Elizabeth S. Chouldjian
Tel: (202) 775-1918
EIGHT YEARS OF BROKEN PROMISES: PRES. BUSH AGAIN BREAKS PLEDGE TO
RECOGNIZE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE
WASHINGTON, DC – In his eighth and final year in office, President
George W. Bush, today, again resorted to the use of evasive and
euphemistic terminology to obscure the full moral, historical, and
contemporary legal implications of Turkey’s genocide against the
Armenian people between 1915-1923, reported the Armenian National
Committee of America (ANCA).
"This April 24, President Bush’s last in office, he completed his
eight-year long betrayal of his campaign commitment to properly
recognize the Armenian Genocide," said Aram Hamparian, Executive
Director of the ANCA.
"The President not only failed to honor his promise to recognize
the Armenian Genocide, but used the full force of his White House
to block Congress from taking the very step he himself had pledged
to undertake as a candidate for office. He not only fired a
sitting U.S. Ambassador who had the courage to honor his
president’s forsaken pledge by speaking truthfully about this
crime, but then went on to nominate a genocide denier to take his
place. He not only pursued patently anti-Armenian policies
throughout his two terms in office, but never once – amid his many
meetings on Armenian-related issues with foreign leaders – agreed
to discuss these concerns with the leadership of the Armenian
American community."
The full text of the President’s statement is provided below.
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The White House
April 24, 2008
Statement by the President on Armenian Remembrance Day
On this day of remembrance, we honor the memory of the victims of
one of the greatest tragedies of the 20th century, the mass
killings and forced exile of as many as 1.5 million Armenians at
the end of the Ottoman Empire. I join the Armenian community in
America and around the world in commemorating this tragedy and
mourning the loss of so many innocent lives.
As we reflect on this epic human tragedy, we must resolve to
redouble our efforts to promote peace, tolerance, and respect for
the dignity of human life. The Armenian people’s unalterable
determination to triumph over tragedy and flourish is a testament
to their strength of character and spirit. We are grateful for the
many contributions Americans of Armenian heritage have made to our
Nation.
We welcome the efforts by individuals in Armenia and Turkey to
foster reconciliation and peace, and support joint efforts for an
open examination of the past in search of a shared understanding of
these tragic events. We look forward to the realization of a fully
normalized Armenia-Turkey relationship.
The United States is committed to a strong relationship with
Armenia based on shared values. We call on the Government of
Armenia to take decisive steps to promote democracy, and will
continue our support for Armenia to this end. We remain committed
to serving as an honest broker in pursuit of a lasting and peaceful
settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
On this solemn day of remembrance, Laura and I express our deepest
condolences to Armenian people around the world.
George W. Bush
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