Russia extends its cordial condolences to Armenian people, who suffered one of the greatest tragedies of the world. 1.5 mln Armenians were killed, 600 thsd were deported, unique historical and architectural monuments and invaluable books and manuscripts were destroyed in 1915, Russian President Vladimir Putin said at the Armenian Genocide Centennial commemoration event at Tsitsernalaberd Memorial Complex in Yerevan.
"The events of 1915 shocked the world. Russia took that grief as its own. Millions of Armenians found shelter in Russia. It was the Russian diplomacy that gained international condemnation of those events. Russia, France and Great Britain issued a joint statement qualifying those events as a crime against civilization and humanity," said the Russian President. He added that Armenian and Russian nations have been connected with warm relations for centuries. He also recalled WWII and the earthquake in Spitak, Armenia.
Putin pointed out that hundreds of Russian cities will hold over 2,000 events commemorating the Armenian Genocide Centennial and not only the 3 million Armenians in Russia but also representatives of other nationalities will take part in the events.
"Our stand remains unchanged - the mass killings cannot be justified anyhow. We should do everything possible to prevent the tragic events of the past from happening again. Unfortunately, neo-fascism and Russophobia are gaining momentum in some corners of the world. Before taking any measures, we should think of their aftermath. We should be tolerant and respect each other. This is how we can change the world for the better," said Putin