YEREVAN. – U.S. Ambassador to Armenia John Heffern said he is not commenting the statements by leaders of other states.

His remark came in response to a request to comment on the statement of Turkish PM Recep Tayyip Erdogan made on the eve of the 99th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.

The diplomat said he is honored to be in Tsitsernakaberd Memorial Complex together with Congressional delegation.

“I am here to pay respect to the victims of 1915 tragedy on behalf of U.S. President Barack Obama and Secretary of State John Kerry,” Heffern told reporters.  

Turkish PM Recep Tayyip Erdogan made first in the history message addressing Armenians on the “events of 1915”.

“The 24th of April carries a particular significance for our Armenian citizens and for all Armenians around the world, and provides a valuable opportunity to share opinions freely on a historical matter,” says the statement where he spoke about “shared pain” of the First World War.

Photo by Arsen Sargsyan/NEWS.am