Parliament holds minute-long silence to commemorate Pontian genocide

The Hellenic Parliament held a minute-long silence for the Remembrance Day for the Genocide of Pontic Greeks, commemorated on Monday

"Our duty is to transform calmly this tragedy of the Greeks of Pontus to a strength," Education Minister Kostas Gavroglou said, speaking on behalf of the government, referring to the genocide of Greeks of the Black Sea coast by Turkey in the early 21st century.

Citing statements by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who called May 19 (the formal commemoration day for Pontians) the day of the first step towards the independence of Turkey, Gavroglou called on Turkey to recognise the genocide as a historical fact.

Party representatives also addressed the floor to honour the Pontians "who were uprooted from their natural land and who call for justice and recognition," as Nikitas Kaklamanis, a Parliament vice president and main opposition New Democracy deputy said.