Armenian President Serzh Sarkisian on Friday thanked world leaders including Vladimir Putin and Francois Hollande for attending a ceremony to mark 100 years since the start of the massacre of Armenians by Ottoman forces.

"I am grateful to all those who are here to once again confirm your commitment to human values, to say that nothing is forgotten, that after 100 years we remember," Sarkisian said to a standing ovation from the audience which also included Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades and Serbian President Tomislav Nikolic.