Cyprus’ House President Yiannakis Omirou said on Saturday, April 23 that “all civilized states should recognize the Armenian Genocide to avert similar crimes against humanity,” addressing a gathering at Nicosia’s Armenian church to mark the 101st anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, Sigma Live reports.

Omirou condemned Turkey’s policy of ethnic cleansing and expansionist designs, saying that “dealing successfully with such policies will protect ethnic groups which Ankara's chauvinism is trying to eliminate.”

In his address, Omirou reiterated Cyprus' solidarity with the Armenian people, in their struggle to have the Genocide recognized by the international community, adding that “Armenians in Cyprus are part and parcel of the history and the struggles of the people of Cyprus and identify with the civilisation and traditions of the country in addition to contributing to the political, economic and social life.”

Recalling that April 24 has been designated as a day to commemorate the Armenian Genocide, Omirou referred to the ruthless methods Ottoman Turks had applied to wipe out Armenians, “who remain to this day a nation with a history, culture, civilization and great achievements.”

Omirou recalled that the House has adopted numerous resolutions recognizing and condemning the Genocide and brandishing its denial as a criminal offense, Sigma Live says.