CANADA REITERATES ITS FIRM POSITION ON THE ARMENIAN TRAGEDY

News Release

April 21, 2004 No. 60 Foreign Affairs Minister Bill Graham today issued the following statement concerning the adoption of a private member's motion by the House of Commons following a debate on the Armenian tragedy of 1915: "The Government of Canada's position on this issue, as stated on June 10, 1999, in the House of Commons, has not changed. We agree with the members of the House that the events of 1915 to 1923 were tragic. Canada has condemned the atrocities committed against hundreds of thousands of Armenians, including massive deportations and massacres. In so doing, the Canadian government has continued to urge the Armenian and Turkish communities to seek reconciliation and peace and to look to the future to contribute to prosperity and stability in an impoverished and volatile region. The Canadian government also believes that the issue is essentially for the Armenian and Turkish governments and experts to resolve. "Canada has had friendly and cooperative relations with Turkey and Armenia for many years. The Canadian government is committed to make these relationships even stronger in the future." Debates and votes on private member's business in the House of Commons are an integral part of the Canadian democratic process, but private member's motions are not binding on the Government of Canada. - 30 - For further information, media representatives may contact: Isabelle Savard Director of Communications Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs (613) 995-1851 Media Relations Office Foreign Affairs Canada and International Trade Canada (613) 995-1874 http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca

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2016-12-15

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CANADA REITERATES ITS FIRM POSITION ON THE ARMENIAN TRAGEDY

News Release

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