Athens
, 19 May 2011
Alternate Foreign Minister Mariliza Xenogiannakopoulou stressed the following in Parliament in reply to a question from Popular Orthodox Rally MP Alexandros Chrysanthopoulos on Pontian Genocide Remembrance Day:
“Today, 19 May, we honour, with respect and deep emotion, the memory of the victims of the genocide of Black Sea Hellenism. As in other years, we fulfil a moral, historical and national duty regarding this genocide, which, from 1916 to 1923, led to the extermination of over 353,000 officially registered Greeks of the Black Sea. The Hellenic Parliament, under Prime Minister Andreas Papandreou, decided unanimously on 24 February 1994 to officially recognized 19 May as a day of national remembrance for the victims of the genocide of Black Sea Greeks, with the Greek state and global Hellenism honouring them and pointing up this historical truth. Black Sea Hellenism – despite the great tragedy it suffered, despite the trials it underwent as refugees and the dramatic memories, whether here in Greece or abroad – has been and is a creative force for development and progress, concurrently keeping alive its traditions and proud history.
Historical memory is critical to our national consciousness, self-knowledge and the education of the younger generation here in our homeland. Our country, without any fear syndrome, is systematically pursuing the recognition and promotion of historical truth. The building of relations based on the principles of peace, international law and good neighbourliness has always been a main point of reference in the shaping of our foreign policy. This is feasible only if historical truth prevails, along with the maintaining of historical awareness of the major events and turning points in our history.
Within this framework, I want to assure you that the government is not passing up on any political or diplomatic option. It is developing initiatives and supporting anything that points up historical truth. As you also referred to the European Parliament, I want to relate to you a personal experience of mine: During my tenure as an MEP, the Greek MEPs of all the parties fought together to have the Pontian and Armenian genocides set down in the resolutions of the European Parliament.”