“We bow our heads, as we do every year on May 19, in memory of the thousands of Pontus Greeks who were exterminated, tortured and uprooted from their ancestral homes. At the same time, we honor the contribution of this unenslaved part of the Nation to the economic and social transformation of our homeland. Their rich cultural heritage was, is and will be an integral part of the Greek identity, everywhere in the world” writes the Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis in his Facebook post on the Pontian Genocide Remembrance Day.

“Some wounds may never heal. It remains, however, a lasting common debt to keep historical memory alive. The artificial oblivion to be constantly opposed by vigilance. With our voice of protest ringing out loud so that it cuts through time as it claims vindication. Until the international community officially recognizes the Genocide of Pontic Hellenism.

This year’s ‘Day of Remembrance’ therefore becomes a thunderous call of responsibility. People should stop being prisoners of yesterday. Building their own today, with peace and justice as a compass. And turning the lessons of History into momentum towards a better future. That’s why we don’t rest. We keep fighting! We don’t forget either. We insist on claiming!” the prime minister emphasizes in his post.