We Stand with the Armenian People: Trump

United States President Donald Trump has issued a statement in connection with the 104th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.

“Today we commemorate the Great Catastrophe and honor all those who suffered because of one of the most horrific mass killings of the 20th century. Starting in 1915, during the final years of the Ottoman Empire, one and a half million Armenians were exiled, murdered, or perished in death marches. On this day of remembrance, we once again join the Armenian community in America and around the world in mourning all those who lost their lives.

On this day, we also remember and acknowledge the efforts of all those who sought to end the violence, as well as those who strove to ensure that such atrocities never happen again, like the human rights advocate and lawyer Raphael Lemkin. We remember the contributions of those generous Americans who helped save lives and rebuild Armenian communities. Remembering all those who suffered, we are inspired by the brave and resilient Armenians who, in the face of immense difficulties, built vibrant communities around the world, including in the United States.

We pledge to learn from past tragedies so that we do not repeat them. We welcome the efforts of both Armenians and Turks to recognize and reconcile their painful history. We stand with the Armenian people to remember the lives lost during the Great Catastrophe and to reaffirm our commitment to building a more peaceful world.”