Obama recalls Meds Yeghern, avoids genocide term in annual statement

by Emil Sanamyan

Published: Saturday April 24, 2010

Yerevan protesters wear masks of Obama and Erdogan dressed as prisoners of the Genocide taboo. Tigran Tadevosyan / Photolure

Washington - President Barack Obama issued his second annual April 24 statement that avoided the term genocide, using the Armenian words Meds Yeghern instead.

Like last year, the president insisted that he has "consistently stated my own view of what occurred in 1915, and my view of that history has not changed" and that "it is in all of our interest to see the achievement a full, frank and just acknowledgment of the facts." 

As senator Obama publicly spoke about the Armenian Genocide and as candidate for president he repeatedly promised to characterize the Turkish Armenian experience as genocide if elected. But as president he avoided the term in deference to Turkey.

Additionally, while the statement did not specifically condemn Turkish leaders responsible for the genocide, and its subsequent denial, it "salute[d] the Turks who saved Armenians in 1915."

The president also remained "encouraged by the dialogue among Turks and Armenians, and within Turkey itself, regarding this painful history." 

Finally, Mr. Obama expressed his "deep admiration for [the Armenians and] their contributions which transcend this dark past and give us hope for the future."

The Armenian National Committee of America and the Armenian Council of American were among the first community groups to express their disappointment with the statement and criticize the president for again reneging on his pre-election pledge.

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan was initially quoted as saying that the statement was "in line with Turkish sensitivities." But a later comment by the Turkish foreign ministry criticized Obama's statement for focusing on the suffering of Armenians.

Full text of the statement is below:

THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary

____________________________________________________________________

For Immediate Release                                                    April 24, 2010

Statement of President Barack Obama on Armenian Remembrance Day

On this solemn day of remembrance, we pause to recall that ninety-five years ago one of the worst atrocities of the 20th century began.  In that dark moment of history, 1.5 million Armenians were massacred or marched to their death in the final days of the Ottoman Empire. 

Today is a day to reflect upon and draw lessons from these terrible events.  I have consistently stated my own view of what occurred in 1915, and my view of that history has not changed.   It is in all of our interest to see the achievement a full, frank and just acknowledgment of the facts.  The Meds Yeghern is a devastating chapter in the history of the Armenian people, and we must keep its memory alive in honor of those who were murdered and so that we do not repeat the grave mistakes of the past.  I salute the Turks who saved Armenians in 1915 and am encouraged by the dialogue among Turks and Armenians, and within Turkey itself, regarding this painful history.  Together, the Turkish and Armenian people will be stronger as they acknowledge their common history and recognize their common humanity.  

Even as we confront the inhumanity of 1915, we also are inspired by the remarkable spirit of the Armenian people.   While nothing can bring back those who were killed in the Meds Yeghern, the contributions that Armenians have made around the world over the last ninety-five years stand as a testament to the strength, tenacity and courage of the Armenian people.  The indomitable spirit of the Armenian people is a lasting triumph over those who set out to destroy them.  Many Armenians came to the United States as survivors of the horrors of 1915. Over the generations Americans of Armenian descent have richened our communities, spurred our economy, and strengthened our democracy.  The strong traditions and culture of Armenians also became the foundation of a new republic which has become a part of the community of nations, partnering with the world community to build a better future.  

Today, we pause with them and with Armenians everywhere to remember the awful events of 1915 with deep admiration for their contributions which transcend this dark past and give us hope for the future.   

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