Cyprus News Agency CNA, Cyprus
May 28 2008
Cypriot president unveils "Armenian genocide" memorial
Nicosia, 28 May: President Dhimitrios Khristofias unveiled here today
a memorial for the Armenian genocide, saying that he remains committed
to creating a better future for all Cypriots in a peaceful and
re-united Cyprus.
The president referred to the integration of Armenians, who fled
Turkey and arrived on the island, and 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.
Khristofias 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 Armenia, Vagram
Kazhoyan, said that "93 years ago Armenia was in tragedy. Genocide had
already started on the territory of historic Armenia. Ninety-three
years ago we were mourning and we still mourn the victims, the memory
of the victims of the genocide which started on 24 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 independence 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.