YEREVAN. – Traditional rally and action with torches devoted to the commemoration of the Armenian Genocide victims in the Ottoman Empire kicked off in Yerevan on Monday evening in the Liberty Square. The complete photo coverage of the event is available here.

Thousands of people with banners and national flags calling Turkey to recognize the Genocide and confess the cruel crimes perpetrated at the beginning of the 20th century, gathered in downtown Yerevan.

People protest against the Turkey’s policy of denial of the first Genocide of 20th century, which was recognized by many states.

The world commemorates 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.

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.