The newly appointed US Ambassador to Turkey, John Bass, stated that brutal massacres and tragedies had occurred in 1915 in Turkey, and it will be helpful to accept them. 

Speaking to NTV television of Turkey, Bass also responded to the moderating journalist’s query on the American position with respect to the centenary of the aforesaid events.

The American diplomat noted that although he cannot comment on which expression the US President, or the Congress, will choose to describe what had occurred in those years, he stressed that the US policy has not changed on this matter.

“According to our policy, accepting in a true and fair manner the horrible massacres and tragedies that occurred in 1915 is helpful for the citizens of both Turkey and Armenia, at the same time, for the generations of the survivors of the tragedy of the period,” he said.

And reflecting on the Turkish invitation to attend the Battle of Gallipoli 100th anniversary events, which will be held in Turkey on April 24—that is, on the same day as the centenary of the Armenian Genocide—, the American ambassador noted, “It’s too early to speak about with which official the US will participate in this event.”