Yerevan. Mediamax. German President Joachim Gauck called the mass killings of Armenians in the Ottoman Empire 100 years ago “genocide”.

“The fate of the Armenians is an example of the history of mass exterminations, ethnic cleansing, deportations and, yes, the genocides that left such a terrible mark on the 20th century,” the President said this addressing a speech at the Armenian Genocide Centennial event at the Berlin Cathedral.

“This planned, criminally calculated act struck Armenians for one reason alone: because they were Armenians”, he said.

Today, the German Bundestag will discuss the issue of recognition of the Armenian Genocide. Earlier, the representatives of Bundestag parties spoke for calling the atrocities against Armenians in the Ottoman Empire “genocide”.

Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian hailed the German President’s statement.

“With this step, Germany pays tribute to the memory of innocent Armenians massacres in the Ottoman Empire under the guise of the World War I. President’ Gauck’s statement is important not only in terms of the international recognition and condemnation of the Armenian Genocide, but it is a valuable contribution to the international community’s joint efforts toward preventing genocides and crimes against humanity”, said the Armenian FM.