US President Joe Biden is preparing to officially recognize the Armenian Genocide on April 24. American and international press alike have been flooded with reports to this effect.
A source close to the Biden administration told The New York Times that Biden will speak about the Armenian Genocide in his message on the 106th anniversary of the crime. “Officials familiar with internal discussions have said that President Biden is preparing to declare that the massacres were an act of genocide. This step signals that the US commitment to human rights takes precedence over the prospect of endangering alliance relations with Turkey,” the paper wrote.
Two anonymous sources at American CNN also reported that Biden will recognize the genocide in an official statement. “A third source familiar with the matter said US officials have also sent signals to allies outside the administration who were demanding an official statement from the president, indicating that the president will recognize the genocide,” CNN wrote.
The outlet reported that the White House has declined to comment on the matter. White House spokesperson Jen Psaki said the administration will have something to say on the day of remembrance, April 24. CNN noted that candidate Biden had promised to remain committed to the recognition of the Armenian Genocide.
“On April 24, when commemorative ceremonies take place around the world, Biden has in all likelihood used the term ‘genocide’ in his statement,” a well-informed source told Reuters.
Al-Jazeera, among other outlets, addressed the recognition of the genocide, emphasizing that Biden’s decision, which is largely symbolic in nature, could further strain relations with Turkey.
