Nicosia: The House of Representatives of Cyprus has unanimously voted to designate May 19 as the Official Day of Remembrance and Honor for the Greeks of Pontus, formally recognizing the genocide committed against them by the Young Turks and Kemalists between 1914 and 1923.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the initiative was tabled by MP Charalambos Theopemptou on behalf of the Cyprus Green Party. It aims to institutionalize the remembrance of the atrocities suffered by the Pontic Greek community and to ensure state-led commemorations including ceremonies, speeches, and memorial services.
During the parliamentary debate, MPs from across the political spectrum voiced support for the proposal, highlighting its historical, symbolic, and educational importance. Several MPs drew parallels between the genocide and more recent events, such as the 1974 Turkish invasion of Cyprus, stressing the role of historical memory in preventing future atrocities and combating nationalism and intolerance.