South Australia passes Armenian Genocide motion

PanARMENIAN.Net - Armenian National Committee of Australia (ANC Australia) delegation was present as South Australian Parliament's Legislative Council passed a motion recognizing the Armenian Genocide as "one of the greatest crimes against humanity".



The motion, introduced by the Hon. David Ridgway MLC (Leader of the Liberal Opposition in Legislative Council) and seconded by the Hon. Bernard Finnigan (Member of the Labor Government in Legislative Council) went through unopposed, and sees the Upper House of SouthAustralia's parliament join the New South Wales parliament in condemning "the genocide of the Armenians and all other acts of genocide," ANC Australia reports.



However this motion is unique, as it is the first to include recognition of recently-uncovered material detailing the significant humanitarian effort by the people of South Australia who aided the victims and survivors of the Armenian Genocide almost a century ago.



South Australians, as part of the global Near East Relief effort, answered to calls for aid by donating clothing, money and infrastructure - an orphanage in Lebanon which housed the child survivors of the attempt by Ottoman Turkey to exterminate its Christian-Armenian minority.



When introducing the motion a fortnight ago, a proud Mr. Ridgway said: "I would like to recognise South Australia's role in the first major international humanitarian relief effort. As was the case for the genocide itself, that effort was not broadly publicized."



Mr. Ridgway added: "It goes without saying that such acts as the Armenian genocide epitomize prejudices against race, religion and culture. For most Australians those attitudes are difficult to

comprehend but, unfortunately, they remain commonplace in many societies today."



Mr. Finnigan also addressed the house in seconding the motion: "In light of growing international awareness of the Armenian genocide - and given the horrific nature of the genocide itself - it is time for we South Australians to do our part."



ANC Australia Political Relations Officer, Mr. Vache Kahramanian commended Mr. Ridgway, Mr. Finnigan and their Legislative Council colleagues for recognizing what he described a "proud intertwining of histories for Armenian-Australians".



He said: "It is fitting tht South Australia is the first to honor this significant moment in Australian history - the first time this great nation came to the aid of a needy people a whole world away."



Mr. Kahramanian added: "It is important for nations like Australia to recognize and condemn all acts of genocide, as some - like the Armenian Genocide - remain unpunished."



Mr. Ridgway commended the Armenian-Australian community and ANC Australia for their excellent leadership.

I am grateful to be in an ongoing working relationship with the Armenian community," he said. "The Armenian National Committee is dedicated to a campaign which advocates recognition of the genocide, and today's motion is also a tribute to its tireless efforts on behalf

of the Armenian community."