Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades and his Armenian counterpart Serzh Sargsyan unveiled a Cross Stone, a gift of the people of Armenia to the people of Cyprus, as a symbol of their friendship, on Wednesday.The unveiling ceremony took place outside the premises of the Protocol Division of the Foreign Affairs Ministry.
Earlier on Wednesday, Sargsyan held a meeting with Archbishop of the Church of Cyprus Chrysostomos II.
The Armenia President signed the book of visitors at the Archbishopric, in which he stressed the friendly relations between both Cyprus and Armenia.
He added that against all odds, Cyprus and Armenia must intensify their bilateral cooperation and join forces so that their struggle is vindicated.
Anastasiades recalled that Cyprus was one of the first European countries which recognised the Armenian genocide, noting that “we jointly denounce the perpetrators of this crime.”
He underlined that “our countries, our peoples, place faith on international law and respect the peoples` sovereign right to decide their future and to function with respect to human rights.”
Moreover, Anastasiades highlighted the active and important role of the Armenian refugees` ancestors, living on the island, in Cypriot society.
Addressing the ceremony, both Presidents underlined the long-standing historic and friendly ties between the peoples of both countries.
Anastasiades said at the cross stone’s unveiling that both countries have been “victims of the same aggressiveness” and have fought for the prevalence of the principles of law in the international arena.
Speaking through an interpreter, Sargsyan added that this Cross Stone will represent a reminder to Armenia and Armenian people living in Cyprus as proof of long-lasting Armenian-Cypriot friendship.“It will give the message that any destruction of cultural monuments constitutes a crime against humanity,” added Sargsyan. “It will remind civilised humanity that it must struggle so that unique historic items of civilisation must not be threatened by violence.”
Moreover, the Armenia President stressed the importance of the Cross Stone to Armenia’s history and long-standing cultural heritage, adding that it is included among UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage.
On Wednesday Sargsyan also visited the Nareg School in Nicosia and the Armenian Genocide Monument.
Sargsyan was accompanied by Cyprus’ Education and Culture Minister Costas Kadis, Presidential Commissioner for Humanitarian Issues and Overseas Cypriots Photis Photiou, and Nareg School Director Vera Tahmajian.
The Armenian President attended a ceremony organised by students at the school with traditional Armenian songs, dances and poems.
At the opening of the event, Tahmajian welcomed Sargsyan to the school, saying that his presence, as well as that of the government officials, demonstrates their support to the school and cultural heritage.
Source: http://www.sigmalive.com/en/news/politics/142894/armenia-president-unveils-cross-stone-visits-nareg-school