The message reads, in part:
“During these days, we are commemorating the victims of one of the most tragic events in history: the Armenian Genocide. We are mourning those killed a century ago as the result of mass repressions in the Ottoman Empire.
“There is no, and can be no, justification for crimes against humanity and humankind. It is the duty of each person to tenderly preserve the truth about this awful tragedy and take every effort to prevent such horror from happening again. Recent commemorative events in Yerevan have once more emphasised the everlasting importance of such historic lessons.
“On behalf of the Russian Government, and personally, I would like to convey words of sympathy and compassion to you and all Armenian citizens. We share your grief and pain.
“Let us preserve the bright memory of those killed. May future generations always live in peace and harmony.”