ANKARA
The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus condemned Greek Cypriot administration on Friday for a law that criminalizes the denial of Armenian allegations over the incidents of 1915 involving the Ottoman Empire during World War I.
“It is obvious that the ones committing mass murder and ethnic cleansing against Turkish Cypriots, the architects of the Akritas Plan, have no right to say anything on this issue," a statement on the official website of the TRNC presidency said. “It is also remarkable that the House of Representatives passed the law during a time when efforts for a more just and permanent agreement in the island were intensified."
Thursday's move by the Greek Cypriot administration -- which remains at odds with the Turkish side over the future of the divided island -- came in the very month when Armenia is planning to hold a mass commemoration ceremony in Yerevan to mark the 100th anniversary of the 1915 incidents on April 24.
The new law imposes a five-year prison sentence and a €10,000 fine on anyone who denies allegations about the 1915 events.
"We strongly condemn the law that does not take notice of the sensitivities of the region and our island when it comes to the historical facts," the statement added.
The 1915 incidents took place during World War I when a portion of the Armenian population living in the Ottoman Empire sided with the invading Russians and revolted against the empire.
Created in 1963 by Greek Cypriots, the Akritas Plan aims to weaken Turkish Cypriots and unite the island with Greece.
