ANCA: genocide of Armenians, Assyrians, and Greeks will never be forgotten

PanARMENIAN.Net - On May 19, 2008, Armenian National Committee of America Eastern Region (ANCA ER) Executive Director Karine Birazian took part in commemorating the 89th Anniversary of the Pontian Genocide. Strong winds and brisk temperatures did not keep community activists from gathering at Bowling Green Park for the first New York City commemoration.



Organizing the event was the Federation of Hellenic Societies of Greater New York and the Pan-Pontian Federation of USA and Canada. Dimitris Molohides, Secretary of the Pan-Pontian Federation of USA and Canada, addressed the crowd in attendance and urged for decisive action for recognition of the Pontian Genocide.



Molohides, who spoke at the Armenian Genocide commemorative event at City Hall in New York City during the ANC of NY's April 24th event stated "today, May 19th the Pontian community with Hellenes and Philhellenes here in New York City and around the world will commemorate the 89th anniversary of the Pontian... it is the first time that we gather here in the Bowling Green Park in the heart of the economic center of New York City to raise together the Greek flag and the single-headed eagle symbol of Pontus. Today's event is an emotional but also a historical moment for all of us that are present here."



Speaking on behalf of the ANCA, Birazian addressed the crowd. In her statement she remarked: "the tragic sufferings of Armenians, Assyrians, and Greeks will never be forgotten. The Turkish Government tries to silence us, but we will not be silenced, and together we will in fact end Turkey's "Gag Rule" and seek recognition of this great crime. Nine decades ago they tried to silence the innocent victims that fell under the Turkish sword, and today we are still here. Nine decades from now we will still be here for we will never forget and work to seek justice"



Also present at the event include the Cypriot Action Network of America (CANA), the presidents and members of the two local associations "Komninoi" of New York and "Pontos" of Norwalk Connecticut and from the "Holy Institution Panagia Soumela."



Speakers included Reverend Father Ioannis Romas from the St. Nicholas church that was destroyed on 9/11, Mr. Dimitris Dimitriou, General Secretary - Federation of Hellenic Societies of Greater New York, Mr. Elias Tsekerides, Past President of Pan-Pontian Federation USA & Canada, Ms. Donna Fotiadou, member and coordinating committee of the Pontian Youth Association USA & Canada, and Mr. Ioannis Fidanakis, President of Panthracian Union of America "Orpheus."



The Ottoman Empire, under the cover of World War I, undertook a systematic and deliberate effort to eliminate its minority Christian populations. This genocidal campaign resulted in the death and deportation of well over 2,000,000 Armenians, Assyrians and Greeks.



The Pontian Genocide has been formally acknowledged by Greece and Cyprus and, within the United States, by the states of New York, New Jersey, Florida, South Carolina, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Illinois, among others.