Members of Russia's Armenian diaspora demonstated in Moscow today to commemorate the anniversary of mass killings of Armenians by Ottoman Turks, many calling on President Obama to honor a pledge to class the massacres as "genocide'' -- which Obama does not plan to do today. (Photo by Yuri Kadobnov / AFP/ Getty Images.)
by Christi Parsons and updated with statement at 1:40 pm EDT
President Barack Obama will not use the word "genocide" today when he issues a statement remembering the slaughter of more than a million Armenians during the last days of the Ottoman empire.
On the anniversary of the day in 1915 that marked the beginning of the atrocities in Turkey, the president instead will ask for an examination of the past "so that it can be better understood," according to a senior administration official.
Obama still stands by the views he has expressed on the subject in the past, the official said today, speaking in advance of the president's statement on condition of anonymity.
As a U.S. senator and a presidential candidate, Obama called for Turkey to acknowledge the genocide -- and promised to do so himself if elected president.
But since moving into the Oval office, Obama has backed away from the pledge out of concern that a furor over it might disrupt delicate diplomatic discussions now going on between Armenian and Turkey.
"He has his views and his views are known," the official said. The president's goal is to see Turkey "reckon with the events of 1915.''
Obama thinks the best way to promote that is with the diplomatically crafted statement being issued today, the official said.
The decision over how to handle the April 24 remembrance date is a politically difficult one for the president. Turkish officials did not ask Obama to stay away from the question of genocide, the official said, but the president is acutely aware of and interested in the state of talks between the two countries.
Today's commemoration date falls two days after Turkey and Armenia announced movement in ongoing talks to ease relations between their two countries, strained for decades.
The Turkish foreign ministry said Wednesday the two sides have come up with a framework for continued talks, but provided few details on how, exactly, it might work.
They have made "tangible progress" toward mutual understanding and come up with a "roadmap" for how to proceed, according to the statement.
Still, the measure is considered the first breakthrough in talks in more than a decade.
Since Obama took office, Armenian Americans and human rights activists have been asking him to make good on the campaign promise to declare the mass killing a genocide. Advocates hoped the declaration would come today.
But Obama signaled he might take a different route during a trip to Turkey earlier this month, when he refrained from using the word "genocide" to describe the killings. In a joint press conference with Turkish President Abdullah Gul, Obama said he hadn't changed his mind about the historical record but still declined to use the word when asked by a reporter about his position.
"I'm not interested in the U.S. tilting these negotiations one way or another while they are having a useful discussion," Obama said in early April.
Obama's administration has a lot riding on U.S. relations with Turkey, a key U.S. ally in Iraq and Afghanistan. Turkish leaders have historically opposed measures like the Armenian Genocide resolution now pending before Congress. Offending Turkey could put U.S. supply routes to Iraq and Afghanistan in danger.
Ankara is also an influential player on a host of other critical issues on the Obama agenda, including Middle East peace and Iran.
The above story was reported in advance of a statement released by the White House. This is the statement:
Statement of President Barack Obama on Armenian Remembrance Day
Ninety four years ago, one of the great atrocities of the 20th century began. Each year, we pause to remember the 1.5 million Armenians who were subsequently massacred or marched to their death in the final days of the Ottoman Empire. The Meds Yeghern must live on in our memories, just as it lives on in the hearts of the Armenian people.
History, unresolved, can be a heavy weight. Just as the terrible events of 1915 remind us of the dark prospect of man's inhumanity to man, reckoning with the past holds out the powerful promise of reconciliation. I have consistently stated my own view of what occurred in 1915, and my view of that history has not changed. My interest remains the achievement of a full, frank and just acknowledgment of the facts.
The best way to advance that goal right now is for the Armenian and Turkish people to address the facts of the past as a part of their efforts to move forward. I strongly support efforts by the Turkish and Armenian people to work through this painful history in a way that is honest, open, and constructive. To that end, there has been courageous and important dialogue among Armenians and Turks, and within Turkey itself. I also strongly support the efforts by Turkey and Armenia to normalize their bilateral relations. Under Swiss auspices, the two governments have agreed on a framework and roadmap for normalization. I commend this progress, and urge them to fulfill its promise.
Together, Armenia and Turkey can forge a relationship that is peaceful, productive and prosperous. And together, the Armenian and Turkish people will be stronger as they acknowledge their common history and recognize their common humanity.
Nothing can bring back those who were lost in the Meds Yeghern. But the contributions that Armenians have made over the last ninety-four years stand as a testament to the talent, dynamism and resilience of the Armenian people, and as the ultimate rebuke to those who tried to destroy them. The United States of America is a far richer country because of the many Americans of Armenian descent who have contributed to our society, many of whom immigrated to this country in the aftermath of 1915. Today, I stand with them and with Armenians everywhere with a sense of friendship, solidarity, and deep respect.
Comments
Just because he made a committment to do it is no reason he actually needs to do it.
.
He's elected now, all those silly promises don't mean anything anymore.
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I know, it's Bush's fault.
Posted by: Greg | April 24, 2009 1:13 PM
Just remember people the Armenian Genocide started with gun confiscation.
Posted by: J Seville | April 24, 2009 1:14 PM
Pause.... What's so hard about standing up and calling a systematic mass killing of over a million Armenian people: genocide? If you can't even call it genocide after 90 years, then how in the world are you going to stand tall when it happens again? You get an F for cowardice and dishonesty. You made a promise that you didnt' keep and more importantly, you didn't do the right thing.
Posted by: Sean | April 24, 2009 1:33 PM
J Seville,
So how many of your guns have been confiscated?
Posted by: My Aunt Fanny | April 24, 2009 1:35 PM
Just remember people the Armenian Genocide started with gun confiscation.
Posted by: J Seville | April 24, 2009 1:14 PM
J Seville,
Just who is confiscating guns now? Which ethnic group do you suggest is being targeted? What is your point?
Posted by: PJ Hansen | April 24, 2009 1:38 PM
Come on folks he's backpedaling as is his style, say one thing and do another . Remember it all has to do with change people.
Posted by: Dave | April 24, 2009 1:46 PM
And nothing has changed.
Posted by: Hank | April 24, 2009 1:48 PM
The Global Puppet, sorry World Leader speaks but not the speech he promised to get elected?
How surprised are we supposed to be about this?
Posted by: springfieldspringfield | April 24, 2009 1:55 PM
Roconciliation with the Taliban - bowing to a Saudi King - negociating without preconditions with Iran - unwilling to the slaughter of over 1 million by one ethnic group of another a 'genocide' for fear of offending the muslims in the world - prosecuting those who implemented practices to save thousands of American lives from three terrorist who caused the death of thousands of innocent westerners as well as innocent muslims - appoligizing for American principles and defence of democracy over terroney
What a proud legecy this man in building
Posted by: Disgusted With our POTUS | April 24, 2009 2:34 PM
Obama keeps CHANGING his mind -- that's the only CHANGE we can believe in!
What an empty suit he is!
Don't blame me. I didn't vote for him. :-)
Posted by: Kevin | April 24, 2009 2:38 PM
The same as we cannot say there was no holocaust, we cannot say ther was no genocide of the Armenian people.
I am sure that President Obama would not hesitate to say that there was holocaust. German Government passed a law that those who insist that there was not holocaust would be procesecuted and jailed up to five years.
Why is there a problem asking the Turkish government to do the same. This would not be because they are Moslems and Armenians are Christian. Actually, they were the first Christian Nation in 100 AD or so.
Perhaps Mr. Obama needs to address that fact and soon.
Posted by: Miriam Shabo | April 24, 2009 2:48 PM
If he calls it "genocide", we lose Turkey as an ally.
Turkey is a VERY imporant ally for the US in that area of the world.
Posted by: brad | April 24, 2009 2:49 PM
Obama chickened out...how shamefull
For the records here is what he had to say about Bush:
Well, For the record, Senator Obama had this to say when Bush's administration refused to acknowledge 20th century's first Genocide:
"The United State must recognize the events of 1915-1923 carried out by the Ottoman Empire, as Genocide. The Bush administration's refusal to do so is inexcusable"
"America deserves a leader who speaks thoughtfully about the Armenian Genocide and responds forcefully to all genocide, I intent to be that President'
check this blog and see what he promised to Armenian Americas before he got elected..
http://obamasgaffes.blogspot.com/2009/04/obama-armenian-genocide-why-does-it.html
Posted by: frieda | April 24, 2009 2:58 PM
BO is willing to throw the great men and woman in the CIA under the bus for the alledged "torture", but dosen't have the backbone to call a genocide a genocide.
Posted by: RCS | April 24, 2009 3:03 PM
What gives? Crazy conservative hour? He said it was a genocide previously, and now says he stands by that position, but rightfully is not going to inflame the situation while Turkey and Armenia are in negotiations for the first time in a decade and while we have military routes through Turkey that could be compromised, which could result in greater costs and danger to our troops. Read the article.
If you actually care about the Armenian situation, read The Crossing Place, by P Narsden, a good, informative read about the plight of the diaspora and the treatment and perseverance of the Armenian people over the last thousand years.
Posted by: B | April 24, 2009 3:12 PM
He doesn't have to call it "genocide".
If he just states what happened, that would be more damning than any label.
Turkey is supposedly the most enlightened of the former Ottoman Empire states.
Yet as far as I know it has never fess up to what happened, regardless of the label applied.
Unlike Germany, which paid reparations.
Turkey has not paid reparations to anyone as far as I know.
Isn't it wonderful to live in an Islamic state, governed by Islamic law?
You can deny the past by fiat. Make women dress like lampshades and walk behind the men in public and do whatever ordered to do in private, teach only rote memorization of scripture to (male) children, etc. etc.
We would not want to disturb the Islamic Ones by offensive reference to their bloodthirsty ways, particularly episodes that occurred so very, very long ago.
Don't you wish the right wing Evangelicals could take over the US Govt., so then we could ban certain type of medical research, cover up statues in the Justice Dept. foyer, have prayer meeting, "voluntary " of course, every morning, ...
O, I guess we did try that for awhile and it didn't work out too well.
Posted by: ornery | April 24, 2009 3:25 PM
I think they need to build an Armenian Memorial in Skokie.
Posted by: Adolph | April 24, 2009 3:34 PM
Obama you should be ashamed of yourself.. 1.5 Millions Armenians died, 500,000 Assyrians died becuase we are Christians, its ok to have a holocaust rememberance but not an Armenian?Assyrian Rememberance, how dare you call yourself a Christian. Turkey slaughtered so many but yet to still back them up, i guess you being a muslim you have to support your own kind right?. I hope you wont win next term, it will be a disgrace to our country..
Posted by: Lynda | April 24, 2009 3:34 PM
This surprises anyone? He's an astute POLITICAN; very good at promising and then delivering. I told you people this a year ago, but you still insisted in believing the "WORD" and voting that way. Enjoy the "change".
Posted by: Paul | April 24, 2009 3:40 PM
Come on people!!!
Improving relations between Armenia and Turkey is a very difficult mission.
Do not judge the president
harshly for his step backwards.
I think he is being quite wise.
Armenia wants Turkey to open the border.
Armenia itself knows that Turks would not even start the talks if the USA accepted the genocide. Open border is very important for Armenia's economic prosperity.
American Armenians do not live in Armenia. Diaspora does not feel the
burnt of economic problems in Armenia.
On the contrary, Armenia's problems
makes it more dependent on the Diaspora's support and vulnerable to
its wishes.
We should always remember the past but live for the future.
If the relations are improved,
there will come a day even Turkey will recognize the genocide as more and more Turks learn the truth as more and more Armenian's tell their stories of horror and agony to Turks themselves.
Posted by: gulcan | April 24, 2009 4:16 PM
It's international politics.
Oh, yes, this system of national rulers is wonderful! Perfect, in fact. Nothing else could ever possibly exist.
Posted by: Jimmy J | April 24, 2009 4:32 PM
Nothing like a campaign promise broken. He promised that he would call that event a genocide if elected, and now he won't. What happened to those poor Armenians was genocide, pure and simple.
We really have a cynical new President. Say anything to get elected, then pretend that is still your position even though your actions speak otherwise.
Show some courage Mr. President! Call a genocide a genocide and make it official!
Posted by: Louis G. Atsaves | April 24, 2009 4:38 PM
So this is the "new politics" of openness and transparency. Yeah right. Obama is doing exactly what his predecessors did in this situation, i.e., realizing that there is nothing but a down side in this for America to offer officious advice, which will only make the situation worse. But that didn't stop him from making pious protestations to the contrary during the campaign. The "new politics" continues to look remarkably like the old.
Posted by: WTR | April 24, 2009 5:20 PM
"Who now remembers the slaughter of the Armenians"
Adolf Hitler.
Posted by: paul | April 24, 2009 5:39 PM
Come on people!!!
Improving relations between Armenia and Turkey is a very difficult mission.
Do not judge the president
harshly for his step backwards.
I think he is being quite wise.
Armenia wants Turkey to open the border.
Armenia itself knows that Turks would not even start the talks if the USA accepted the genocide. Open border is very important for Armenia's economic prosperity.
American Armenians do not live in Armenia. Diaspora does not feel the
burnt of economic problems in Armenia.
On the contrary, Armenia's problems
makes it more dependent on the Diaspora's support and vulnerable to
its wishes.
We should always remember the past but live for the future.
If the relations are improved,
there will come a day even Turkey will recognize the genocide as more and more Turks learn the truth as more and more Armenian's tell their stories of horror and agony to Turks themselves.....
I agree, with guican.
Posted by: G. J. Witherspoon | April 24, 2009 5:43 PM
I'm glad to see that Obama has learned something since taking office.
It does no good whatever to take a stand on this issue. The Ottoman Empire doesn't exist now; the Turkish Republic didn't exist then.
Further, just like the Holocaust, there is broad disagreement about the number of Armenians slaughtered. Naturally, Armenian groups want a higher number (as if it wasn't really an atrocity if only 900,000 were killed, but only if the number is more than a million). But there isn't any way to verify what the actual count may have been.
The slaughtered are gone. We must take care to do right by those who remain--both Armenian and Turks.
Posted by: Danaidh | April 24, 2009 5:44 PM
. . .Improving relations between Armenia and Turkey is a very difficult mission.
Do not judge the president
harshly for his step backwards.
I think he is being quite wise.
Armenia wants Turkey to open the border.
Armenia itself knows that Turks would not even start the talks if the USA accepted the genocide. Open border is very important for Armenia's economic prosperity.
American Armenians do not live in Armenia. Diaspora does not feel the
burnt of economic problems in Armenia.
On the contrary, Armenia's problems
makes it more dependent on the Diaspora's support and vulnerable to
its wishes.
. . .
I agree with the poster guican...It is easy for someone to say he is reneging on his word. There is more at stake than that and the President is smart enough to realize it. Grow up, people and stop making everything he says and does a reason to criticize him.
Posted by: G. J. Witherspoon | April 24, 2009 5:48 PM
The second you designate an ethnic group as difrrent fromm you you automatically begin this age old cycle again.when you treat people as diffrent you automatically star stuff up
Posted by: Edawg | April 24, 2009 7:30 PM