Armenians Mark 100th Anniversary of Mass Killings
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iStock/Thinkstock(YEREVAN, Armenia) — Armenians on Friday are marking a century since the death of 1.5 million of their countrymen at the hands of Turkish Ottoman forces.
Among those on hand for the ceremony in the Armenian capital were the presidents of France and Russia.
Leading up to the date, other world leaders, along with Pope Francis, have referred to the killings as Armenians always have: The first genocide of the 20th century.
However, Turkish leaders refute the claim, saying the deaths occurred during conflict, not systematic killing.
They also say the death toll from the conflict a century ago was much lower.
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