Cyprus House President condemns Turkey's Armenian Genocide denial
Cyprus House President Yiannakis Omirou said on Saturday “all civilized states should recognize the Armenian Genocide to avert similar crimes against humanity.” As Sigmalive.com reports, Omirou’s comments came while addressing a gathering at Nicosia’s Armenian church to mark Sunday`s anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.
Omirou condemned Turkey`s policy of ethnic cleansing and expansionist designs, saying that “dealing successfully with such policies will protect ethnic groups which Ankara`s chauvinism is trying to eliminate.”
In his address, Omirou reiterated Cyprus` solidarity with the Armenian people, in their struggle to have the Genocide recognized by the international community, adding that “Armenians in Cyprus are part and parcel of the history and the struggles of the people of Cyprus and identify with the civilization and traditions of the country in addition to contributing to the political, economic and social life.”
Recalling that April 24 has been designated as a day to commemorate the Armenian Genocide, Omirou referred to the ruthless methods Ottoman Turks had applied to wipe out Armenians, “who remain to this day a nation with a history, culture, civilization and great achievements.”
Omirou recalled that the House has adopted numerous resolutions recognizing and condemning the Genocide and brandishing its denial as a criminal offense.
“It is imperative that all civilized states recognize the Armenian Genocide to avert a repetition of such atrocities,” Omirou stressed, pointing out that crimes of the past have gone unpunished, in spite of being proven by historical facts.