SYDNEY: Record crowds gathered in Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide to commemorate the 98th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Numerous events, organised by the Armenian Genocide Commemorative Committee, were held in each city in remembrance of the 1.5 million Armenians killed under Ottoman Turkish rule between 1915 and 1923.
The National Commemoration, which was attended by around 1,000 members of the Armenian community, also attracted a record contingent of State and Federal Politicians from all sides of politics who joined in the moving commemoration held at the Chatswood Concourse.
Charles Mahtesian, the former National Political Editor of POLITICO, delivered the keynote address at the National Armenian Genocide Commemoration, as well as at the New South Wales State Parliament and the commemoration in Melbourne.
The Executive Director of the Armenian National Committee, who forms part of the Armenian Genocide Commemorative Committee, Vache Kahramanian said: "The 98th anniversary commemoration was an important time for the Australian community to reflect on the horrors of the Armenian Genocide. The vast number of elected officials present is a clear testament that the issue of the Armenian Genocide is no longer a taboo subject.”
“We thank Charles Mahtesian for providing his detailed insight on the quest for genocide recognition. The Armenian-Australian community will continue in our endeavour to have the Armenian Genocide recognised by the Australian Parliament.”
