WASHINGTON, DC – Despite having heard in recent weeks from over 168 U.S. Representatives who had urged him to recognize the Armenian Genocide as a “genocide,” George W. Bush today, in his third April 24th statement as President, again broke his February 2000 campaign pledge to properly recognize the Armenian Genocide, reported the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA).

In a statement issued today, on April 24th, the annual day of remembrance for the Armenian Genocide, the President again resorted to the use of evasive and euphemistic terminology to obscure the reality of Turkey’s Genocide against the Armenian people.

The statement also sought to resurrect the Turkish Armenian Reconciliation Commission (TARC,) the failed State Department funded initiative devised to derail progress toward international recognition of the Armenian Genocide. The effort was universally rejected by Armenians in the U.S., Armenia and around the world.

“Sadly, today again we witnessed the continuation of this Administration’s policy of complicity in the Turkish Government’s denial the Armenian Genocide,” said ANCA Chairman Kenneth Hachikian. “While we appreciate the President taking the time to offer remarks on this solemn occasion, we remain – as a community and a people – deeply disappointed by his failure to speak openly and honestly about the Armenian Genocide.”

“We find it offensive that the President would use this most solemn of occasions for the Armenian American community to attempt to revive the Turkish Armenian Reconciliation Commission – a failed initiative strenuously denounced by all facets of our community.”

The text of the President’s remarks are provided below.

Armenian Americans are encouraged to voice their thoughts to President Bush regarding his statement by sending a free ANCA WebFax to the President.