The Armenian community of Cyprus is optimistic, since in recent years there have been significant steps towards international recognition of the Armenian Genocide, Vartkes Mahdessian, the Representative of the Armenian community in the Cyprus House of Representatives has said.
Addressing the House plenary on Thursday, and referring to the 101 years since the Armenian Genocide, Mahdessian said that so far 29 countries have recognised the genocide, eight in 2015.
According to Mahdessian, 2015 was a pivotal year for the Armenians, since new dynamics were created to raise awareness among public opinion.
In addition, he pointed out, five countries have criminalised the denial of recognition of the Armenian Genocide, opening new paths for the Armenians.
He underlined the fact that Cyprus was the first European country, and the second in the world, that recognised the Armenian Genocide by a Parliament resolution and also passed a law criminalising the denial of the Genocide.
Mahdessian added that the Armenians stand by the Cypriots` side and show solidarity in their efforts to reunite the island, divided since the 1974 Turkish invasion.
