Minister of Foreign Affairs Nikos Dendias’ message regarding the Pontic Genocide, on the occasion of the UN Genocide Prevention Day (9.12.2022)

Dear friends,

In 2015, the UN General Assembly established the “International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of Genocide and Prevention of this Crime”. This day’s significance remains strong; and, unfortunately, more pertinent than ever.

Especially for the Greek State, the need to remember and pay tribute to the victims of such crimes constitutes a primary concern.

Greece was the first country to recognize the Genocide of the Greeks of Pontus and Asia Minor. It even designated May 19 and September 14 as days of commemoration of the Genocide for the Greeks of Pontus and Asia Minor, respectively. They pay the minimum due respect and tribute to the victims of these heinous acts.

The preservation of historical memory is a primary duty of the Greek State.
Moreover, our country has been constantly active at the international level for the universal recognition of the genocide and forced uprooting of the Greeks of Pontus and Asia Minor from 1914 to 1923.

In this regard, I would like to congratulate the “Nikos Kapetanidis” Action Association for the extremely important work it is carrying out.

And I would like to assure you that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to be a supporter and companion in the efforts of Pontian Associations all over the world.

At this critical juncture we are currently experiencing, the prevention of genocide remains a fundamental duty of everyone.