With a delusional statement, the Turkish Foreign Ministry is trying once again to falsify history by denying the genocide of the Greeks of Pontus.
Specifically, in a statement, the Turkish Foreign Ministry stresses that it denies the "delusional statements of the Greek authorities under the pretext of the anniversary of the unfounded 'Pontian' claims, which completely distort history". In the same statement, the Turks speak of anti-Turkish lobbies and speak out against those who try to mislead younger generations regarding historical events.
At the same time, the Turkish Foreign Ministry calls on our country to "face the facts about the crimes against humanity [...] committed by the Greeks during the invasion and occupation of Anatolia", referring to the Asia Minor Campaign of 1919-1922. However, Ankara does not stop there and goes back another 100 years and specifically to the Greek Revolution of 1821, accusing Greece of massacring all Turks during the liberation of Tripolitsa in 1821.
The entire statement of the Turkish Foreign Ministry:
"We categorically reject the delusional statements of the Greek authorities under the pretext of the anniversary of the baseless 'Pontian' claims, which completely distort history.
It is sad to see that the Greek authorities continue their absurd attempts to distort history. We also condemn the efforts of the anti-Turkey lobby to deceive the public by bringing these biased allegations to the agenda of third countries.
It is clear that the efforts of those who seek to derive hostility from history and mislead younger generations will not serve peace and stability.
Instead of relying on distorted historical narratives that contradict reality, it would make more sense for Greece to address the facts about the crimes against humanity embodied by the Lausanne Peace Treaty, as contained in the report of the Allied Powers' Commission of Inquiry, committed by Greece. during the attempted occupation and invasion of Anatolia. Similarly, it would be appropriate for those who make such baseless claims to remember the brutal crimes and atrocities committed against other religious or ethnic groups, particularly the Turks, including the Tripolitsa massacre in 1821.
We call on Greece to work together for peace, stability and a prosperous future on the basis of cooperation instead of trying to distort the facts."
Sakellaropoulou's message on the Day of Remembrance of the Genocide of Pontian Hellenism
"Defending historical knowledge by recognizing this heinous crime is the self-evident duty of the international community." This is what the President of the Republic, Katerina Sakellaropoulou, says in her message on the Day of Remembrance of the Genocide of the Pontic Hellenism.
"Especially today's anniversary, at a time when authoritarian revisionism directly threatens the stability of our world, acts as a deterrent so that we do not have to relive similar atrocities," she says.
The President's entire message.
"One hundred and three years after the ruthless pogrom against the Hellenism of Pontus during the Ottoman Empire, the memory of the hundreds of thousands of innocent people who were massacred or displaced from their ancestral homes remains alive. The Greek State has recognised the Pontian Genocide and on 19 May pays tribute to the unfortunate Greeks of that region. Recognizing, at the same time, the decisive contribution of the uprooted Pontians to the economic, cultural and social reconstruction of our homeland.
Defending historical knowledge by recognizing this heinous crime is an obvious duty of the international community. Especially today's anniversary, at a time when authoritarian revisionism directly threatens the stability of our world, acts as a deterrent so that we do not experience similar atrocities again. Respect for diversity and constant vigilance against discrimination and violence is the responsibility of all of us."
Nikos Dendias' message
"Today is a day of remembrance of the Genocide against Pontian Hellenism", Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias said in a post on Twitter.
"We keep alive the memory of the 353.000 victims, we honour the great contribution of the Pontians to the economic, spiritual and social life of the country, as well as to the national struggles."
Source: protothema.gr
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