Macron Sends Letter to Armen Sarkissian

The President of France, Emmanuel Macron, has sent a letter to the President of Armenia, Armen Sarkissian, in connection with the 106th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. This was reported by the French Embassy in Armenia.

The letter states: "Dear Mr. President, Cher Armen,

On the occasion of the 106th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, all my thoughts are directed towards Armenia, which has suffered the consequences of history. In spirit, I stand with the Armenian people, those who escaped the genocide and the refugees whom France welcomed long ago, and whose descendants have built our country. We will never forget.

I would like to be with you on this day, full of emotions and dignity. I have asked Mr. Jean-Baptiste Lemoyne, Secretary of State for Tourism, French People Abroad, and Francophonie, to represent me at the commemorative ceremonies in Yerevan.

As I had committed, since 2019, April 24 has been officially recognized in France as the Day of Remembrance of the Armenian Genocide. Throughout France, despite the restrictions imposed by the pandemic, this day included in our republican calendar will be commemorated. More than any other day, on this April 24, our two peoples are united around the same memory.

Remembering the past—accepting the truth, paying tribute to the deceased, and respecting the memory of the living is our duty to prevent forgetting, denial, and lies. Throughout history, committed alongside you, we are also committed to the future at this time when your country passed through a deadly conflict that has plagued the region, where too much blood has been spilled. We must build a new page of peace, prosperity, and reconciliation.

The struggle for justice and truth that France has carried alongside you will not cease, as it is not just the struggle of the Armenians. It is based on the principle of fraternity of the French Republic.

On this day of sorrow but also hope, as we remember the terrible suffering of the martyred people, France and Armenia are united by friendship and brotherhood.

Please accept, Mr. President, the assurances of my highest consideration.

Respectfully,

Emmanuel MACRON

Mr. Armen SARKISSIAN
President of the Republic of Armenia