YEREVAN.- Many world states and Armenia itself commemorate on April 24 the 97th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, the first genocide of the 20th century.
Commemoration actions are held in all states, people remember this monstrous crime against humanity as over one and a half million innocent Armenians were massacred in the Ottoman Empire, while hundreds of thousands were tortured and deported.
Protest actions in front of Turkish Embassies are planned in many states, as Ankara still refuses to acknowledge the fact after almost hundred years.
The key events will be held in Yerevan near the Memorial to Armenian Genocide victims in Tsitsernakaberd. Armenia’s authorities, Catholicos of All Armenians, state and public institution representatives, hundreds of thousands citizens and guests will visit Tsitsernakaberd to honor the memory of the victims.
Traditional march with torches will be held on Monday evening in Armenia’s capital. Thousands of people with banners and flags will gather in the downtown Yerevan to express their protest against the denial policy run by Turkey. After the rally and burning of the Turkish flag, people will move to Tsisternakaberd.
The fact of the Armenian Genocide is recognized by many states. It was first recognized in 1965 by Uruguay. In general, the Armenian Genocide in Ottoman Turkey has already been recognized
by Russia, France, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Poland, Lithuania, Slovakia, Switzerland, Sweden, Greece, Cyprus, Lebanon, Canada, Venezuela, Argentina, and 42 U.S. states.
Yerevan and Ankara declared about their intentions to reconcile bilateral relations on the eve of the 94th anniversary of the Genocide. However, a year later on April 22, 2010, the Armenian side had to declare about suspension of ratification of the Armenian-Turkish protocols signed on Oct. 10, 2009 in Zurich.
Armenia explained its decision by non-constructive stance displayed by the Turkish officials and prolonging the ratification by the Turkish side. Turkey in particular links normalization of the relations with Armenia with the settlement of the Karabakh conflict.
