SYDNEY: The NSW Parliament celebrated the 20th anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Armenia with a reception organised by the Armenian National Committee of Australia (ANC Australia) in the Jubilee Room of Parliament House on September 8.
Joining the celebration were more than 30 legislators, including Transport Minister Gladys Berejiklian, Citizenship and Communities Minister Victor Dominello, Armenia-Australia Parliamentary Friendship Group Chairman Jonathan O’Dea and Co-Deputy Chairmen Walt Secord and David Shoebridge.
The celebration marked the second independence of Armenia, when after the dissolution of the Soviet Union on September 21, 1991 Armenia became an independent state again. Armenia had originally gained independence on May 28, 1918, just three years after the commencement of the Armenian Genocide but had been overrun by Soviet forces in 1921.
Addressing the gathered Members of Parliament and the representatives of various Armenian-Australian community organisations, ANC Australia Executive Director discussed the present-day challenges the young Armenian republic faces.
“The modern state of Armenia does not constitute all of the territories once inhabited by Armenians,” he said.
“As a result of the Armenian Genocide the modern state of Armenia remains landlocked, and while Turkey and Azerbaijan maintain an illegal economic blockade of the young nation, its viability is threatened and its citizens face an uncertain future.”
Meguerditchian continued: “Despite this reality, Armenia continues to make democratic progress and has recently been applauded by the international community for taking steps toward significant political and economic reforms.”
Chair of the Armenia-Australia Parliamentary Friendship Group and Member for the Armenian-populated state electorate of Davidson, O’Dea was then invited to address the gathered.
“On behalf of the NSW Parliament I welcome the Armenian community here today and I acknowledge the great contribution of this community to the political, cultural and business life of NSW,” he said.
O’Dea then paid tribute to ANC Australia’s advocacy efforts, stating: “ANC Australia has built strong relationships with legislators across the political spectrum and together we all stand gathered to support this organisation, its constituent community and the Armenian nation.”
On display during the reception was an exhibition regarding various Armenian issues including the two key foreign policy objectives of the Armenian state, Armenian Genocide recognition and Nagorno Karabakh self-determination.
