December 8, 2008 - 15:18 AMT
Bush extends condolences over 20th anniversary of Spitak earthquake
U.S President George W. Bush has sent a message of condolence on the 20th anniversary of the 1988 earthquake, which took the lives of nearly 25 thousand people.

The message says:

"On this solemn anniversary, we are reminded of the string bonds between America and Armenia and the resilience of the Armenian people. They rose from this tragedy and have reclaimed a bright future of hope and opportunity. Through hard work and support from the international community, including the United State, the Republic of Armenia gained its independence. Today, our nations stand together, pursuing peace, prosperity, and freedom for the citizen of our countries and the world.

I join my fellow Americans in commemorating this national tragedy. We pay tribute to the lives lost, and we send our best wishes to Armenians throughout the world as you remember loved ones and the hardships you have overcome."