Trump marks 1915 events

By Michael Hernandez

WASHINGTON (AA) - President Donald Trump on Monday marked the annual commemoration of the 1915 events, echoing his predecessors by using the Armenian term while referring to the tragedy.

"Today, we remember and honor the memory of those who suffered during the Meds Yeghern, one of the worst mass atrocities of the 20th century," Trump said in a statement.

"We must remember atrocities to prevent them from occurring again. We welcome the efforts of Turks and Armenians to acknowledge and reckon with painful history, which is a critical step toward building a foundation for a more just and tolerant future," he added.

Earlier Monday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan marked the 1915 events by expressing his condolences to the grandchildren of Ottoman Armenians.

Erdogan’s message was read during a religious ceremony at the Armenian Patriarchate in Istanbul.

"This year, I once again pay our respects to the Ottoman Armenians who lost their lives under the harsh conditions of the First World War and convey my condolences to their descendants," the Turkish president said.

According to Turkey, the deaths of Armenians in eastern Anatolia occurred after some sided with invading Russians and revolted against Ottoman forces. A subsequent relocation of Armenians that began in 1915 resulted in numerous casualties.

Turkey describes the 1915 events as a tragedy for both sides.