U.S. president declines to call Armenian massacres in Ottoman Empire  genocide

ArmInfo. U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday declined to describe the 1915 mass killings of Armenians as genocide, breaking with his predecessor Joe Biden's policy and drawing strong condemnation from a key Armenian-American group.Trump used instead the Armenian phrase "Meds Yeghern," or Great Crime, to commemorate the 110th anniversary of the start of the  massacres in Ottoman Turkey.

"Today we commemorate the Meds Yeghern, and honor the memories of  those wonderful souls who suffered in one of the worst disasters of  the 20th Century. Beginning in 1915, one and a half million Armenians  were exiled and marched to their deaths in the final years of the  Ottoman Empire. On this Day of 

"Remembrance, we again join the Great Armenian Community in America,  and around the World, in mourning the many lives that were lost.

"Every year on April 24th, we reflect on the strong and enduring ties  between the American and Armenian peoples. We are proud of the  American Committee for Armenian and Syrian Relief, a groundbreaking  effort established in 1915 that provided crucial humanitarian support  to Armenian Refugees, and grateful for the thousands of Americans who  contributed or volunteered to help the Armenians expelled from their  homes.

"On this day, we bear witness to the strength and resiliency of the  Armenian people in the face of tragedy.  We are fortunate that so  many Armenians have brought their rich culture to our shores, and  contributed so much to our Country, including decorated soldiers,  celebrated entertainers, renowned architects, and successful business  people.

"As we honor the memory of those lost, my Administration remains  committed to safeguarding religious freedom and protecting vulnerable  minorities. We look forward to continuing our strategic partnership  with Armenia, and upholding regional stability as we continue to  pursue enduring prosperity and security," the presidential message  reads. 

U.S. Embassy in Armenia posted the following message on its Facebook  account: 

"Ambassador Kvien laid flowers at the eternal flame at  Tsitsernakaberd to honor the lives of all Armenians who perished."

This publication was criticized by Facebook users, where it was  posted. Outraged citizens noted that these were not dead Armenians,  but those who were subjected to genocide, users of this social  network also asked the ambassador to remind Trump that the United  States officially recognized the Armenian Genocide in the Ottoman  Empire, many called such behavior shameful. 

The US legislature recognized the Armenian Genocide in the Ottoman  Empire back in 2019, and already in 2021, President Joe Biden in his  message on the occasion of April 24, described the events as  genocide.