The government of PASOK, led by Andreas Papandreou, recognized the Genocide of the Pontian Greeks 30 years ago and established May 19 as its day of commemoration, PASOK-Movement for Change (KINAL) leader Nikos Androulakis said on Sunday.

Androulakis attended a memorial service and lay a wreath at the monument for the victims of the Genocide, at the Agia Sofia Square in Thessaloniki.

"Yet the struggle for the international recognition of Genocide against all Christian populations of the Ottoman Empire continues," Androulakis said, "and we will fight it with all our strength inside and outside Greece."

He also noted that "a few weeks ago, a man who had made tremendous efforts, fought hard, and fought for the recognition of the Genocide against the Pontian Greeks, the late Michalis Charalambidis, passed away. May he rest in peace."