The adoption by the Cyprus parliament of a resolution criminalizing the denial of the Armenian Genocide fixes a straightforward “no” with regard to xenophobia, racism and discrimination, said the President of Armenian Parliament Galoust Sahakyan during his speech in the House of Representatives of the Cyprus Republic on Thursday.

As reported to Armenian News – NEWS.am, the Speaker of Armenian Parliament specifically said: “I have arrived in a country which has been in friendly relations with Armenia for ages. This circumstance is significantly connected with our common historical past, our similar fate. Today I have the honor to speak in the parliament which was one of the first, and indeed the very first in Europe to recognize and condemn the Armenian Genocide back in 1975, requiring to restore the historical justice.  

As you know, in 2015 we commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, committed by the Ottoman Empire against Armenians. I express my deepest gratitude with regard to the adoption by the Cyprus House of Representatives of the resolution criminalizing the denial of the Armenian Genocide.

Genocide is not only a crime against humanity, but also an expression of fascism and impatience, flagrant violation of the right to live. The most significant factors for the prevention of the recurrence of such a terrible crime are the recognition and condemnation of crimes against humanity. Denial of the Genocide is the indirect continuation of that crime.”