PanARMENIAN.Net
ANCA: genocide of Armenians, Assyrians, and Greeks will never be forgotten
23.05.2008 17:59 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ On May 19, 2008, Armenian National Committee of
America Eastern Region (ANCA ER) Executive Director Karine Birazian
took part in commemorating the 89th Anniversary of the Pontian
Genocide. Strong winds and brisk temperatures did not keep community
activists from gathering at Bowling Green Park for the first New York
City commemoration.
Organizing the event was the Federation of Hellenic Societies of
Greater New York and the Pan-Pontian Federation of USA and
Canada. Dimitris Molohides, Secretary of the Pan-Pontian Federation of
USA and Canada, addressed the crowd in attendance and urged for
decisive action for recognition of the Pontian Genocide.
Molohides, who spoke at the Armenian Genocide commemorative event at
City Hall in New York City during the ANC of NY’s April 24th event
stated "today, May 19th the Pontian community with Hellenes and
Philhellenes here in New York City and around the world will
commemorate the 89th anniversary of the Pontian… it is the first
time that we gather here in the Bowling Green Park in the heart of the
economic center of New York City to raise together the Greek flag and
the single-headed eagle symbol of Pontus. Today’s event is an
emotional but also a historical moment for all of us that are present
here."
Speaking on behalf of the ANCA, Birazian addressed the crowd. In her
statement she remarked: "the tragic sufferings of Armenians,
Assyrians, and Greeks will never be forgotten. The Turkish Government
tries to silence us, but we will not be silenced, and together we will
in fact end Turkey’s "Gag Rule" and seek recognition of this great
crime. Nine decades ago they tried to silence the innocent victims
that fell under the Turkish sword, and today we are still here. Nine
decades from now we will still be here for we will never forget and
work to seek justice"
Also present at the event include the Cypriot Action Network of
America (CANA), the presidents and members of the two local
associations "Komninoi" of New York and "Pontos" of Norwalk
Connecticut and from the "Holy Institution Panagia Soumela."
Speakers included Reverend Father Ioannis Romas from the St. Nicholas
church that was destroyed on 9/11, Mr. Dimitris Dimitriou, General
Secretary – Federation of Hellenic Societies of Greater New York,
Mr. Elias Tsekerides, Past President of Pan-Pontian Federation USA &
Canada, Ms. Donna Fotiadou, member and coordinating committee of the
Pontian Youth Association USA & Canada, and Mr. Ioannis Fidanakis,
President of Panthracian Union of America "Orpheus."
The Ottoman Empire, under the cover of World War I, undertook a
systematic and deliberate effort to eliminate its minority Christian
populations. This genocidal campaign resulted in the death and
deportation of well over 2,000,000 Armenians, Assyrians and Greeks.
The Pontian Genocide has been formally acknowledged by Greece and
Cyprus and, within the United States, by the states of New York, New
Jersey, Florida, South Carolina, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and
Illinois, among others.