SYDNEY: Paul Fletcher, Member for Bradfield, became the first Federal Australian Member of Parliament to discuss the rights of Armenians in Nagorno Karabakh in the House of Representatives.
Fletcher, who earlier this year called for the Australian government to recognise the Armenian Genocide, met with a delegation from the Armenian National Committee of Australia (ANC Australia), including ANC America Chairman Ken Hachikian, earlier this week, where the plight of Nagorno Karabakh Armenians was presented.
Fletcher declared his support to the cause during the meeting, and on Thursday repeated it on the floor of Parliament.
"The rights of the Armenians of Nagorno Karabakh are derived as what is known as the Helsinki Final Act, which in Article 7 provides for the rights of peoples to self-determination," he announced.
"I support the application of the principle of self-determination for Nagorno Karabakh."
Fletcher added: "I am very pleased to be able to speak on this issue during Advocacy Week of the Armenian National Committee of Australia."
ANC Australia Executive Director Varant Meguerditchian said: "This marks the beginning of advocacy for recognition of the Republic of Nagorno Karabakh by the Federal government of Australia."
"Mr. Fletcher has demonstrated leadership on this issue of fundamental morality and justice. We call upon all our elected representatives to join Mr. Fletcher to bring to light the right to self-determination of the people of Nagorno Karabakh.â€
Earlier this year, Jonathan O'Dea MP and Victor Dominello MP spoke on the rights of Nagorno Karabakh Armenians in NSW State Parliament.
