On the 106th anniversary, US President Joe Biden has officially recognised the Armenian genocide.
Biden is the first US President to do so and the move has angered Turkey, further straining relations between the NATO allies.
In 1915, Armenians living in the former Ottoman Empire were removed from their homes – in an area which is now known as modern Turkey.
We mourn all who were murdered in the Armenian Genocide. When we fail to acknowledge the past, history can repeat itself, which is why I advocated for the U.S to formally recognize this atrocity for what it was: genocide. I commend President Biden for taking action.
— Amy Klobuchar (@amyklobuchar) April 24, 2021
In a statement, the White House says “we remember the lives of all those who died in the Ottoman-era Armenian genocide and recommit ourselves to preventing such an atrocity from ever again occurring,”
“We affirm the history. We do this not to cast blame but to ensure that what happened is never repeated.”
.@POTUS' recognition of the Armenian Genocide comes after decades of struggle.
— Adam Schiff (@RepAdamSchiff) April 24, 2021
After years of Turkish threats and intimidation
After a murderous war on the people of Artsakh
After so many heartbreaks and disappointments
Thank you, President Biden, for speaking truth to power. pic.twitter.com/1G9BY28kVn
The total death toll from the genocide remains disputed but academics believe it is around one million.
