US President doesn't use phrase of "Armenian genocide" in his annual speech on 1915 events

"Mass pursuits and killings of more than 1.5 million Armenians during the fall of Ottoman Empire are one of the biggest tragedies of 20th century", said US President George Bush in his annual address on the events of 1915.

He welcomed joint efforts of the Armenian and Turkish citizens toward the normalization of relations and mutual and public evaluation of these tragic events.

"The United States hopes for the normalization of relations between Yerevan and Ankara".

Calling the events of 1915 as a "great human tragedy", President Bush urged to increase peace efforts.

He said his country was vigorous to establish serious relations with Armenia based on the common values.

"We invite the government of Armenia to make courageous steps toward the democratic development. We will support Armenian efforts in this direction".

The US president said his country is striving for fair mediation in the settlement of Nagorno Karabakh problem.

/APA/