Greek Education Minister Nikos Filis is a persona non grata following comments made on private STAR TV where he refuted the occurence of the Pontic Genocide that resulted in the slaughter of tens of thousands of Pontic Greeks of the Black Sea region by Turks almost a century ago. He found himself isolated and under attack following his comments that are aligned to those of the Turkish government that do not recognize the bloodshed. He said that he believed that the slaughter of the Greeks by Ottoman Turks was a case of ethnic cleansing rather than genocide. Noteworthy is the fact that Greek Parliament has officially recognized the killings as genocide in 1994 and May 19 has been designated as an annual day of remembrance.
Filis made it clear that he was expressing his personal opinion, raising questions regarding the ministers right to make political statements that swerve from national interests and the national line. His comments that pertain to a portfolio handled by another minister, placed the government in a difficult position, already turning the tide against him.
Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras was not openly confrontational with his minister, sufficing to say that there is already a parliamentary decision on the Pontic genocide.
Former parliamentary speaker Zoe Konstantopoulou condensced the issue in two tweets, expressing her concern that Filis was not well-versed on his statements. She said that the Ministry of Education needs people with education and a sense of conscience.
Current Speaker of Parliament, Nikos Voutsis, also pointed to Parliament’s decision however said that anyone is entitled to their opinions and would be judged on these.
On his part, Deputy Foreign Minister Yiannis Amanatidis said: “The history of Pontos will remain indisputably real. The scientific research can be expressed freely in a Democracy, however the government’s position is well-known and has been publically expressed so much by the former governemnt spokesperson on May 19, 2015, as well as the speeches on days commemorating the Pontic Genocide in the past.”
A number of ministers from all parties criticised the statements, whereas the socialist PASOK party issued an official announcement condemning Filis’ personal opinion.
Noteworthy is the fact that the Pontic Genocide of 1914-1923 is recognized by a number of Parliaments beyond that of Greece, and has been officially documented by the International Association of Genocide Scholars (IAGS).
