The events that took place in Turkey 96 years ago were a monstrous crime, Armenian Minister of Defense Seyran Ohanyan told journalists at Tsitsernakaberd (Memorial to Armenian Genocide victims) on April 24.

It is not only a day of mourning, but also a remembrance day, as “those savage tribes were unable to kill our souls, as well as our bodies.”

“It is an obliging day for the Ministry of Defense. Throughout our history, our security is at the highest level. We have a 20-year-old standing army defending the Armenian people with credit,” Ohanyan said.

The international recognition of the Armenian Genocide is highly important for preventing similar crimes against other peoples, he added.