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George W. Bush
for President
February
19, 2000
Mr.
Edgar Hagopian
Mr. Vasken Setrakian
Dear
Edgar and Vasken,
Thank
you for your inquiry to my campaign regarding issues of concern to
Armenian Americans.
The twentieth
century was marred by wars of unimaginable brutality, mass murder
and genocide. History records that the Armenians were the
first people of the last century to have endured these
cruelties. The Armenians were subjected to a genocidal
campaign that defies comprehension and commands all decent people
to remember and acknowledge the facts and lessons of an awful
crime in a century of bloody crimes against humanity. If
elected President, I would ensure that our nation properly
recognizes the tragic suffering of the Armenian people. The
Armenian diaspora and the emergence of an independent Republic of
Armenia stand as a testament to the resiliency of the Armenian
people.
In
this new century, the United States must actively support the
independence of all the nations of the Caucasus by promising the
peaceful settlement of regional disputes and the economic
development of the region. American assistance to Armenia to
encourage the development of democracy, the rule of law and a
tolerant open society is vital. It has my full support.
I am encouraged
by recent discussions between the governments of Armenia and
Azerbaijan. The United States should work actively to
promote peace in the region and should be willing to serve as a
mediator. But ultimately peace must be negotiated and
sustained by the parties involved. Lasting peace can come
only from agreements they judge to be in their best interests.
I appreciate
the tremendous contribution of the Armenian community to the
United States. The Armenian community has been and will
continue to be a model of dedication to values of faith and
family.
Sincerely,
[signed]
George W. Bush |