Obama promise #511

Recognize the Armenian Genocide
"Two years ago, I criticized the Secretary of State for the firing of U.S. Ambassador to Armenia, John Evans, after he properly used the term 'genocide' to describe Turkey's slaughter of thousands of Armenians starting in 1915. … as President I will recognize the Armenian Genocide."  Obama called for Turkey's acknowledgment of the Armenian genocide while Senator.  While visiting Turkey as President he was asked about the historical events.  In his answer he failed to use the word "genocide".  He was then asked, "have you changed your view, and did you ask President Gul to recognize the genocide by name?"  He again failed to use the word "genocide".  He was then asked, "So if I understand you correctly, your view hasn't changed, but you'll put in abeyance the issue of whether to use that word in the future?"  His answer again, omitted the word "genocide".
Back in the states when issuing a statement on April 24th (the Day of Memorial for the Armenian genocide) he described the "heavy weight" of history and the "terrible events of 1915".  Again, he did not use the word "genocide".   When he made this promise, Obama specifically referred to a diplomat who had been fired for using the word genocide; Obama said the diplomat had used the word "properly."  While he says his views haven't changed, Obama clearly avoids stating those views.


Promise:  BROKEN