15:31, 23 September 2008

Barack Obama recognizes genocide in his message to Armenians

Democratic candidate to the position of US President Barack Obama has recognized, in his message on the occasion of the Day of Independence of Armenia on September 21, the fact of genocide of Armenians in Ottoman Turkey during World War I.

Mr Obama has noted that "the past where the Armenian people had confronted genocide face to face, failed to defeat Armenians both in Armenia and in Diaspora." According to Barack Obama, the diligence and talents of Armenians have brought huge benefits to America.

"In the course of their long history Armenians were notable for the spirit of independence, self-sufficiency and survival," runs the message placed in the personal website of the US presidential candidate.

Mr Obama has noted that recent bilateral steps of leaders of Armenia and Turkey aimed at restoration of dialogue between these countries look promising.