SYDNEY: The parliamentary friends of Armenia in Australia's largest state of New South Wales have released a statement condemning the provocative actions of Azerbaijan, who continue their attacks on Armenia's border town of Tavush, reported the Armenian National Committee of Australia (ANC-AU).
Azerbaijan is called on to "respect its internationally brokered ceasefire agreement with Armenia and not attack the Armenian population, including those of Armenian heritage in Artsakh" in the statement co-signed by the Chair and Vice-Chair of the NSW Armenia-Australia Parliamentary Friendship Group, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly Jonathan O'Dea MP and Shadow Treasurer Walt Secord MLC, respectively.
"The NSW Armenia-Australia Parliamentary Friendship Group in Australia, made up of more than 40 parliamentarians, strongly condemns any provocative actions of Azerbaijan, who apparently continue their offensive against Armenia's Tavush region, attacking villages with civilians," O'Dea and Secord wrote.
"Azerbaijan should respect its internationally brokered ceasefire agreement with Armenia and not attack the Armenian population, including those of Armenian heritage in Artsakh. Such aggressive action should be firmly condemned by governments in Australia and elsewhere, particularly during these times when our world is fighting a global pandemic."
"Our thoughts and prayers are with those affected in Armenia."
ANC-AU Executive Director Haig Kayserian welcomed this public condemnation of Azerbaijan's provocation, which began on 12 July and continues today, with Baku recently threatening missile attacks against Armenia's nuclear power plant.
"Thanks to Mr. O'Dea and Mr. Secord for their principled leadership of the NSW Armenia-Australia Parliamentary Friendship Group, who have rightly joined their Federal counterparts in condemning Azerbaijan's unwelcome attack on Armenia," said Kayserian.
"Whether it is on the Armenian Genocide or Artsakh, our NSW Parliamentary friends have always been steadfast in supporting Armenian-Australian issues of priority, and the security and safety of our sisters and brothers in Armenia is of paramount priority to our community right now."
