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Barack Obama avoids using â€œgenocideâ€ in April 24 statement

25 April 2009 07:56 (UTC +04:00)

Instead he used the words â€œMeds Yeghernâ€, which means â€œgreat tragedyâ€ in the Armenian language.
â€œEach year, we pause to remember the 1.5-million Armenians who were subsequently massacred or marched to their death in the final days of the Ottoman Empire. The Meds Yeghern must live on in our memories, just as it lives on in the hearts of the Armenian people. I have consistently stated my own view of what occurred in 1915, and my view of that history has not changed,â€ Obama said in his statement. â€œMy interest remains the achievement of a full, frank and just acknowledgment of the facts.â€

Mentioning the Armenian apologize campaign launched in Turkey Barack Obama praised discussions within Turkey and the countryâ€™s dialogue with Armenia.
â€œI strongly support efforts by the Turkish and Armenian people to work through this painful history in a way that is honest, open, and constructive. To that end, there has been courageous and important dialogue among Armenians and Turks, and within Turkey itself. I also strongly support the efforts by Turkey and Armenia to normalize their bilateral relations. Together, Armenia and Turkey can forge a relationship that is peaceful, productive and prosperous. And together, the Armenian and Turkish people will be stronger as they acknowledge their common history and recognize their common humanity,â€ he said.

â€œNothing can bring back those who were lost in the Meds Yeghern. But the contributions that Armenians have made over the last ninety-four years stand as a testament to the talent, dynamism and resilience of the Armenian people, and as the ultimate rebuke to those who tried to destroy them. The United States of America is a far richer country because of the many Americans of Armenian descent who have contributed to our society, many of whom immigrated to this country in the aftermath of 1915. Today, I stand with them and with Armenians everywhere with a sense of friendship, solidarity, and deep respect,â€ Obama said.