New Democracy and EPP MEP Fredi Beleri stated that “historical truth and the recognition of past crimes are prerequisites for peace, reconciliation, and stability in our region” in a post marking yesterday’s Day of Remembrance for the Pontian Genocide.

In his social media post, the MEP wrote:

“A few days ago, I received a letter from the Turkish Permanent Delegation in Brussels protesting my use of the term ‘genocide’ and attempting to offer historical interpretations. The truth is that the extermination of the Greeks, Armenians, and Assyrians formed part of a broader and coordinated policy of persecution and annihilation carried out by the Young Turk regime against the Christian populations of the East.

Historical truth and the recognition of past crimes are prerequisites for peace, reconciliation, and stability in our region. At the same time, we honor the strength and resilience of the Pontic Greeks, who, despite displacement and hardship, preserved the faith, identity, and values of Hellenism and contributed decisively to the progress of modern Greece.

A genocide occurs twice: once when it is committed and again when it is forgotten. For this reason, I will do everything in my power, as a Member of the European Parliament, to ensure that the genocide of the Christian populations of Pontus and Asia Minor is never forgotten and is fully recognized by the European Parliament, just as the Armenian Genocide has been recognized.

I will never accept lessons or admonitions on history from anyone. I do not forget the historical truth. It is our duty to preserve historical memory so that such atrocities never happen again.”