Contact: White House, Office of the Press Secretary, 202-456-2580

WASHINGTON, April 24 /Standard Newswire/ -- The following is a Presidential Message release by the White House:

Each year on this day, we pause to remember the victims of one of the greatest tragedies of the 20th century, when as many as 1.5 million Armenians lost their lives in the final years of the Ottoman Empire, many of them victims of mass killings and forced exile.  I join my fellow Americans and Armenian people around the world in commemorating this tragedy and honoring the memory of the innocent lives that were taken.  The world must never forget this painful chapter of its history.

All who cherish freedom and value the sanctity of human life look back on these horrific events in sorrow and disbelief.  Many of those who survived were forced from their ancestral home and spread across the globe.  Yet, in the midst of this terrible struggle, the world witnessed the indomitable spirit and character of the Armenian people.  Many of the brave survivors came to America, where they have preserved a deep connection with their history and culture.  Generations of Armenians in the United States have enriched our country and inspired us with their courage and conviction.

Today, we remember the past and also look forward to a brighter future.  We commend the individuals in Armenia and Turkey who are working to normalize the relationship between their two counties.  A sincere and open examination of the historic events of the late-Ottoman period is an essential part of this process.  The United States supports and encourages those in both countries who are working to build a shared understanding of history as a basis for a more hopeful future.

We value the strong and vibrant ties between the United States and Armenia.  Our Nation is grateful for Armenia's contributions to the war on terror, particularly for its efforts to help build a peaceful and democratic Iraq.  The United States remains committed to working with Armenia and Azerbaijan to promote a peaceful settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.  We are also working to promote democratic and economic reform in Armenia that will advance the cause of freedom and justice.

Laura and I express our deepest condolences to Armenian people around the world on this solemn day of remembrance.  We stand together in our determination to build a more peaceful, more prosperous, and more just world.

GEORGE W. BUSH