U.S. Presidents inherit 'tradition' of Armenian Genocide non-recognition

August 27, 2011 - 09:24 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net - The policy of evading the pledges given to the Armenian voters becomes more and more obvious every year. April 24, the Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day, the day when millions of people hold breath to hear the word Genocide pronounced by the head of state, but alas…

Looking closely at the policy pursued by the previous and current U.S. Presidents, we can easily presume that worsening of relations with Turkey is definitely not in the interests of the United States.

Back in 2000, George W. Bush, then presidential hopeful was 'sincerely' assuring of the beginning of a new era of justice. But as the U.S. President, Bush never uttered the word Genocide and adhered to a policy contrary to the interests of the Armenian community.

Turkish parliament member Hasan Korkmazdcan's letter recently released by whistleblower website WikiLeaks appeared as another proof of the unconditional 'subjection' to Turkey. In the letter dated April 18, 2005, the Turkish politician expresses hope that the White House will support Ankara's position. “Turkish studies proved that the Armenian claims are the result of fanaticism. We are hopeful that you will resist this campaign which is based on a false interpretation of events which found no proof in the archives of the Ottoman Empire,” Korkmazdcan wrote.

Furthermore, President Bush did not support the non-binding congressional resolution recognizing the massacre of 1.5 million of Armenians as Genocide, which was however, passed, despite the White House's opposition.

Bush's main excuse was 'combating terrorism.' “We deeply regret the sufferings that befell the Armenian people in 1915 but adoption of similar resolution would irreparably damage our relations with NATO's key ally in the war against terrorism,” Bush said.

So, the presidential administration took up a firm position on the Armenian Genocide, throwing the matter beyond the competence of legislators. “This is the issue to be considered by historians but not lawmakers.”

On January 19, 2008 then U.S. Senator, now U.S. President Barack Obama released a statement: "Two years ago, I criticized the Secretary of State for the firing of U.S. Ambassador to Armenia, John Evans, after he properly used the term "genocide" to describe Turkey's slaughter of thousands of Armenians starting in 1915. I shared with Secretary Rice my firmly held conviction that the Armenian Genocide is not an allegation, a personal opinion, or a point of view, but rather a widely documented fact supported by an overwhelming body of historical evidence. The facts are undeniable. An official policy that calls on diplomats to distort the historical facts is an untenable policy. As a senator, I strongly support passage of the Armenian Genocide Resolution (H.Res.106 and S.Res.106), and as President I will recognize the Armenian Genocide."

On April 24 commemoration speeches President Obama has yet referred to the Armenian Genocide only by the Armenian synonym Mets Eghern.

President Obama stated: “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”

President Obama, just like Bush betrayed his promise to properly recognize the Armenian Genocide, continuing the tradition of his predecessor.