Reverend Patriarch AramAteşyan,

General Vicar of the Armenian Patriarchate of Turkey

I paytribute and greetings to our citizens gathered here today under the roof of the Armenian Patriarchate in Istanbul to commemorate the Ottoman Armenians who lost their lives under the tragic conditions of the First World War.

I welcome this commemoration which is taking place once again in Turkey, the most meaningful place to share the grief endured by the Ottoman Armenians, as well asto honor their memories.

In the lands of Anatolia, where humanitarian duties are never neglectedandhappiness and grief are sincerely shared, the sense of conscience and justice are held above all.

In accordance with this understanding,as well asour sense of history and humanisticvision, we willcontinue toembrace the memories of the Ottoman Armenians.

We willalwaysremindand rememberthe culture of cohabitation between Turks and Armenians which has a history of almost one thousand years.

We will never give up working for amity and peace against those who try to politicize historythrough a bitter rhetoric of hate and enmityand strive to alienate the two neighboring nations, who are bound with their common history and their similar traditions.

With this in mind, I once again commemorate the Ottoman Armenians who passed away and extend my condolences to their children and grandchildren.

Regardless of their ethnic or religious origins, I also pay tribute, with compassion and respect, to all Ottoman citizens who lost their lives in the same period.I would like to reiterate that we share this common pain.

On this occassion, I extend my gratitude once again to all our Armenian citizens who have contributed to our country from past to present.

Recep Tayyip Erdoğan

President