YEREVAN. – Armenians of Diyarbakir started preparing for the events to mark the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, resident of Diarbakir Gafur Ohanyan said.

Ohanyan, who came to Armenia from Diyarbakir within the framework of “Come Home” program, said the preparations started three years ago.

“We were very much afraid when organizing the events for the first time, and therefore we organized the events together with Turkish organizations. I offered them to pray for Armenians in mosques. We expressed willingness to visit Surb Giragos church and hold a press conference, lit candles and put flowers, but Turkish policemen surrounded us saying we had no permission. We were accompanied by Turkish politicians, they said we could continue our way, but I did not want to have more problems and offered to hold a press conference at that place,” he told reporters.

Gafur (Hovhannes) Ohanyan is one of 50 Armenians who were baptized and 15 days ago came to Armenia within the the Diaspora Ministry’s Come Home 2014 motherland visiting program for the Diaspora-Armenian youth.