Armenians mark 90th anniversary of 1915 genocide

24.04.2005, 07.07

YEREVAN, April 24 (Itar-Tass) – The Armenians around the globe are
marking the 90th anniversary of the genocide of 1.5 million ethnic
Armenians in the Ottoman Empire in 1915 on Sunday.

The carnage of the Armenian population was the first act of genocide
in the 20th century. Armenia is seeking international recognition of
the fact of genocide and its condemnation. It is one of the priorities
of Armenias foreign policy. Nearly 1.5 million people by the number of
genocide victims are expected to come to the memorial to the genocide
victims on Sunday.

Official delegations from dozens of countries have arrived in Yerevan
to take part in the commemorations. Georgy Boss, the vice-speaker of
the Russian State Duma, will represent Russia. Boss has handed over a
message of condolences of Russian State Duma Speaker Boris Gryzlov to
Speaker of the Armenian Parliament Artur Bagdasaryan.

The Russian State Duma (parliaments lower house) on Friday passed a
statement by 310 votes.

In connection with the 90th anniversary of the genocide of the
Armenian people, one of the most tragic and ruthless events in the
history of the 20th century, the Russian State Duma is presenting
profound condolences to the brethren Armenian people, the Russian
deputies said.

The deputies fully condemn this act of genocide and believe that the
90th anniversary should be marked by the international community, the
document goes on to say.

Catholicos of All Armenians Garegin II will hold an ecumenical service
for the souls of the genocide victims. The ceremony will be attended
by representatives of the Russian Orthodox Church, the Assyrian
Orthodox Church, the Georgian Orthodox Church, the Romanian Orthodox
Church, the Greek Orthodox Church, the Anglican Church and the
Conference of European Churches.