WASHINGTON, DC – Today, on the annual day of remembrance for the 1.5 million victims of the Armenian genocide at the hands of the Ottoman Empire, President Joe Biden became the first sitting U.S. President to formally recognize the World War I-era mass killing of Armenians by Ottoman Turkish forces as an act of “genocide.”  U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), who has long cosponsored legislation officially recognizing the campaign of genocide against Armenians, today praised President Biden’s fact-based leadership.

Today, Senator Reed stated:

“The genocide against Armenians that began 106 years ago today was a crime against humanity.  By affirming this historical truth, President Biden has kept his promise and demonstrated bold leadership and a strong commitment to human rights.

“This official recognition of the Armenian Genocide at the highest levels of American government is long overdue and a victory for truth and justice.  Rather than be a bystander to the denial of genocide, President Biden’s official action today helps restore America’s moral credibility.

“To prevent future acts of genocide, we must recognize past atrocities, educate the public, and uphold human rights.  We must stand up for persecuted people everywhere and recognize atrocities as they actually happened to ensure they don’t happen again.  Finally acknowledging the facts can hasten the healing process.  And it brings the United States in line with other nations such as Canada, France, and Germany that have already recognized the Armenian Genocide.

“Today, we solemnly honor the victims and survivors of the Armenian Genocide and reaffirm our commitment to human rights and the truth.”