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NICOSIA: Memorial for the Armenian genocide unveiled

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  • NICOSIA: Memorial for the Armenian genocide unveiled

    Famagusta Gazette, Cyprus
    May 29 2008



    Memorial for the Armenian genocide unveiled


    NICOSIA 29.MAY.08
    President Christofias has unveiled a memorial for the Armenian
    genocide, saying that he remains committed to creating a better future
    for all Cypriots, in a peaceful and reunited Cyprus.

    The President referred to the integration of Armenians, who fled
    Turkey and arrived on the island. He praised their successful
    entrepreneurial spirit, saying they have made the country proud.

    "This site is very symbolic; this is where the first Armenians, who
    fled for their lives in 1915, first landed on the island.

    "This memorial is an expression of appreciation shown by the Cypriot
    people for the hospitality and support to Armenians who have since
    made Cyprus their home," the President said, as he unveiled the
    memorial in the southern coastal town of Larnaca.

    Christofias reiterated his respect and solidarity as well as deep
    feelings of love to the Armenian community here, noting that Cyprus
    offered them a new beginning and was a refuge at difficult times.

    Referring to the political situation in Cyprus, he said his government
    would not cease to work for a united peaceful and prosperous country
    for all its citizens, Greek Cypriots, Turkish Cypriots, Armenians,
    Latins and Maronites.

    He noted that Cyprus has suffered from a military coup, Turkey's
    invasion and the continuing occupation of its northern part. Thousands
    of people have been displaced; many of them Armenians and people have
    been separated.

    "Our ultimate goal is to reunite our country and our people in a
    bizonal bicommunal federation with one sovereignty, one citizenship
    and one international personality," he stressed.

    He closed his remarks by assuring the Armenian community that he will
    continue to strive for a better future for the country and all its
    people.

    Speaking at the unveiling ceremony, the Ambassador of Armenian Vahram
    Kazhoyan said: "93 years ago Armenia was in tragedy. Genocide had
    already started on the territory of historic Armenia. 93 years ago we
    were mourning and we still mourn the victims, the memory of the
    victims of the genocide which started ion 24th April 1915."

    However, he said, "Armenia has survived and today is a day of
    festivities for Armenia, it is a big holiday for Armenia, today is the
    rebirth of our first Republic back in 1918. In 1918 in May after
    victory in three major battles against Ottoman Turkey Armenians
    established their first Republic after 700 years of non independence."

    "After a lot of difficulties we have survived thanks to the help of
    our friends, and amongst these friends was Cyprus. One of those people
    was the Cypriot people who helped Armenia since the first days of the
    genocide and who was among the first countries who recognized the
    genocide officially in 1982," he pointed out.

    Armenia and Cyprus since the independent of Armenia 70 years ago have
    been in the international arena, as friends helping each other with a
    lot of understanding between them, he noted.

    `I am sure that the monument in the promenade of Larnaca will become
    not only one of the major monuments dedicated to the Armenian genocide
    all over the world, but I am confident that it will become one of the
    beautiful landmarks of Larnaca,' he added, and thanked the
    Municipality of Larnaca and the government of Cyprus.
    - (KYPE)

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