Global leaders commemorate 110th anniversary of Armenian Genocide amid ongoing denial by Turkey

BETH NAHRIN — World leaders, including Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and French President Emmanuel Macron, marked the 110th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide perpetrated by the Ottoman Empire in 1915.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, in a heartfelt message, highlighted the lasting scars the genocide has left on the Armenian collective memory, emphasizing that the tragedy is both a national and deeply personal legacy.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun reiterated that commemorating the genocide is not merely about recalling a historical atrocity but about reaffirming universal principles of justice, human rights, and dignity. He called for confronting violence, extremism, and exclusion, reaffirming Lebanon’s unwavering support for Armenia’s peaceful struggle for these values.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, in a statement on X (formerly Twitter), acknowledged the profound loss endured by the Armenian people while praising their resilience. He pledged continued efforts toward fostering peace, prosperity, and security for Armenia and the region.

Under the shadow of unspeakable loss, the Armenian people have endured and prevailed.

Today, we remember the Meds Yeghern not just in mourning, but with resolve.

We honor the past and look forward to working towards enduring peace, prosperity, and security for Armenia and the…

— Secretary Marco Rubio (@SecRubio) April 24, 2025

French President Emmanuel Macron also took to X, calling for the memory of the victims to be preserved and honored. He emphasized the need for ongoing efforts in the pursuit of humanity, truth, and justice.

Il y a 110 ans débutait le génocide des Arméniens.

En ce 24 avril, journée nationale de commémoration, souvenons-nous de toutes les victimes et gardons vivante leur mémoire.

Continuons d’œuvrer, au nom de l’Humanité, pour la Vérité et la Justice.

— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) April 24, 2025

In stark contrast, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan issued a condolence message to Armenian Patriarch Sahak II Mashalian and the Armenian community in Turkey. Erdoğan referred to the victims as “Ottoman Armenians” who perished due to the harsh conditions of World War I, framing the deaths as consequences of wartime chaos and armed group actions. His statement avoided acknowledging the Ottoman Empire’s role in orchestrating the genocide, continuing a policy of denial.