YEREVAN (Armenpress)–A cross-stone (khachkar), dedicated to the memory of the victims of the Armenian genocide, has been erected in the central park of the Ukranian town of Nikopol.
The monument, unveiled on October 11, was erected by the Armenian community of Nikopol in Ukraine’s Dneropetrovsk province and consecrated in a joint ceremony by the priests of the Russian and Armenian churches in Dnepropetrovsk. The park where it is located has been renamed “Armenian park.”
Speaking at the unveiling ceremony, Nikopol Mayor Sergey Starunin noted that the cross-stone will serve as a reminder and testament to the Armenian Genocide, and hopefully prevent future crimes against humanity.
He also said that the small Armenian community in Nikopol enjoys the love and respect of the authorities of the town and Ukrainian society, the community, he continued, is an active part of the town’s social fabric, contributing to its development.
Armenia’s Ambassador to Ukraine, Jivan Movsisian, also took part in the opening ceremony, delivering a speech recognizing the support given to the project by the town’s authorities.
He also thanked the Ukrainian government for its treatment of the Armenian community, noting the vital role the Ukrainian Armenian community plays in the development and consolidation of Ukrainian-Armenian ties.
Representatives from the town’s government and other minority communities, as well as social, cultural, and scientific leaders participated in the monument’s unveiling. The event was covered by provincial and local media.
