Cyprus marks Armenian Genocide anniversary with renewed calls for recognition

Parliament renewed calls on Thursday for international recognition of the Armenian Genocide as MPs marked its 111th anniversary in parliament.

House speaker Annita Demetriou informed the plenary that “the Armenian tragedy remains unjust to this day”, pointing to continued Turkish denial.

“Turkey not only refuses to recognise the genocide but continues its expansionist policy to the detriment of its neighbouring peoples,” she said, adding that Cyprus itself continues to feel the consequences.

Demetriou highlighted Cyprus’ perennial position on the issue, remarking that the House recognised the genocide in 1975.

“April 24, 1990, was declared a National Day of Remembrance, and in 2015 the denial of the Armenian Genocide was criminalised in Cyprus to this end,” she said.

She described the events of 1915 as “one of the most heinous crimes against humanity”, recalling how the arrest and execution of Armenian intellectuals in Istanbul marked the start of a systematic campaign of extermination.

“Cyprus will continue to offer its undivided support to our Armenian compatriots,” Demetriou affirmed, stressing their “valuable and timeless contribution” to Cypriot society.

She concluded with a call for accountability, stating that “only through truth, justice and respect for international law can peace and be built.”

Parliament observed a minute of silence following her address.

In a parallel intervention, Vartkes Mahdesian, representative of the Armenian community, criticised what he described as international inconsistency in dealing with Turkey.

“The law of the strong prevails,” he said, arguing that while violations are “verbally condemned”, major powers continue to support Ankara in practice.

Mahdesian reiterated that more than a century after the killings, “Turkey continues to deny the Armenian Genocide, even criminalising its mention”, referring to restrictions under Turkish law.

He characterised the events between 1915 and 1923 as “an unprecedented systematic attempt to exterminate the Armenians”, remarking that around 1.5 million people were killed or displaced.

He also drew parallels with Cyprus’ own history, referring to “common pain” between Armenians and Cypriots and a “common struggle for dignified survival”.

Mahdesian thanked the state for being among the first to recognise the genocide and for criminalising its denial.

He warned against inaction in the present, stating that failure to hold perpetrators accountable risks enabling future atrocities.

“It is important not to allow impunity, since in doing so we indirectly encourage the commission of new genocides,” he said.