Metz Yeghern is one of the worst catastrophes of the 20th century: Trump dispensed with the term “genocide”

US President Donald Trump delivered a message on the anniversary of the tragedy of the Armenian people without using the term “genocide” to characterize the events of 1915 in the Ottoman Empire.

On April 24, 2021, then-U.S. President Joe Biden officially recognized as genocide the mass killings of Armenians organized and committed in the early 20th century in the Ottoman Empire. In subsequent years, Biden consistently used the term “genocide” in his messages characterizing the tragedy of the Armenian people in the early 20th century.

“Today we honor the memory of Metz Yeghern and honor the memory of those remarkable people who suffered during one of the worst catastrophes of the 20th century. Beginning in 1915, one and a half million Armenians were expelled and sent to certain death during the final years of the Ottoman Empire. On this Memorial Day, we join once again with the large Armenian community in America and around the world in mourning the many lives lost,” Trump said in a message posted on the White House website.

As the Oval Office host noted, every year on April 24, the U.S. authorities remember the strong and enduring ties between the American and Armenian peoples.

- We are proud of the American Committee for Armenian and Syrian Relief, an organization founded in 1915 that has provided critical humanitarian support to Armenian refugees, and grateful to the thousands of Americans who have contributed or volunteered to help Armenians driven from their homes.

On this day, U.S. officials testify to the strength and resilience of the Armenian people in the face of tragedy.

As Trump noted, Americans are fortunate that so many Armenians have brought their rich culture to the U.S. and have made great contributions to the country. In doing so, he emphasized award-winning military personnel, famous artists, renowned architects and successful businessmen.

“As we honor those who lost their lives, my administration remains committed to ensuring religious freedom and protecting vulnerable minorities. We look forward to continuing our strategic partnership with Armenia and maintaining stability in the region as we continue to strive for sustainable prosperity and security,” Trump emphasized in his message.

The Armenian Genocide in the Ottoman Empire, recognized as the first genocide of the 20th century, is commemorated annually on April 24. Turkey traditionally denies the mass extermination of more than 1.5 million Armenians. However, the Genocide has been recognized by many states and international organizations. Uruguay was the first to do so in 1965. It was later joined by Cyprus, Russia, Greece, Canada, France, Germany, the United States and dozens of other countries, as well as the European Parliament and the World Council of Churches.

Reprinted from https://am.sputniknews.ru/