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GREEK GENOCIDE
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1. Position Statement on the Greek GenocideThe Hellenic Canadian Research Institute (the Hellenic Institute) seeks the recognition of the Greek Genocide by the Canadian government and for the genocide to be commemorated annually in memory of the over one million victims.
Despite the vast amount of available evidence provided by foreign diplomats, eye-witness testimonies and international news reports of the time, the Government of the Republic of Turkey continues to deny its historic role in the systematic extermination of minorities on its soil between the years 1914-1923 which included Greeks, Armenians and Assyrians. The Republic of Turkey has also demanded that Canada not recognize these acts as genocide. By continuing to deny the genocide, the Turkish Republic likewise erases all evidence of the existence of Greeks, Armenians and Assyrians in Turkey, and absolves itself of responsibility. The Hellenic Institute will work with Greek-Canadian communities, associations and organizations to improve education and to raise awareness on the issue of the genocide, and also to counter regional voices within the community which historically have sought recognition based solely on their regional experience. The Hellenic Institute will also work with key domestic and international organizations, historians and politicians to establish a national and international "Greek Genocide Remembrance Day." The recognition of the Greek Genocide by the Canadian Government will not only send a strong message internationally against the crime of genocide, it will also contribute to the Republic of Turkey coming to terms with its past which will improve relations between Greece and Turkey and tolerance between its people. |
