ARMENIAN PEOPLE PAY TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF THE VICTIMS OF THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

ArmenPress
April 24 2009
Armenia

YEREVAN, APRIL 24, ARMENPRENPRESS: The leadership of the Republic
of Armenia headed by the President Serzh Sargsyan visited today
Tsitsernakaberd to pay tribute to the memory of the innocent victims
of the Armenian Genocide in 1915 in the Ottoman Empire.

His Holiness Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II served a requiem
mass near the eternal fire. The high-ranked officials paid a tribute
to the memory of 1,5 million Armenians with one minute silence.

Representatives of legislative and executive powers, high staff
of the Armed Forces, political figures, intellectuals, heads of
diplomatic representations accredited in Armenia and others came
to Tsitsernakaberd.

On this day commemoration ceremonies are held in all the Armenian
provinces, voice of protest is raised against the policy of denial
adopted by Turkey and a message is addressed to the international
community to recognize the greatest crime of the 20th century to
prevent its repetition.

The Armenian Genocide has been recognized by more than 20 countries,
international organizations, including European Parliament which
adopted a special resolution in 1987. More than 40 US States,
municipalities of different towns have recognized the Armenian
genocide. A resolution condemning the Great Genocide is in the
agenda of Israeli Kneset. The resolution presented in the House of
Representatives of US Congress expands the number of its supporters.

The Tsitsernakaberd memorial was opened in 1967 November 29 and for
more than 40 years it accepts those who come to pay tribute to the
memory of the victims of the Great Genocide.