South Australia Passes Armenian Genocide Motion
outh-australia-passes-armenian-genocide-motion/
Ma rch 25, 2009

ADELAIDE, Australia – An ANC of Australia delegation was present this
week as the 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 David Ridgway MLC, the leader of the Liberal
Opposition in the Legislative Council, and seconded by the
Hon. Bernard Finnigan, a member of the Labor Government in the
Legislative Council, went through unopposed, and sees the Upper House
join the New South Wales Parliament in condemning `the genocide of the
Armenians and all other acts of genocide.’

This motion is the first to include recognition of recently uncovered
material detailing the significant humanitarian effort by South
Australians, who aided the victims and survivors of the genocide
almost a century ago.

The people of South Australia, as part of the global Near East Relief
effort, answered calls for aid by donating clothing, money, and
infrastructure, such as an orphanage in Lebanon that housed child
survivors.

When introducing the motion earlier this month, a proud Ridgway said,
`I would like to recognize 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.’

`It goes without saying that such acts as the Armenian Genocide
epitomize prejudices against race, religion, and culture,’ he
said. `For most Australians, those attitudes are difficult to
comprehend, but unfortunately they remain commonplace in many
societies today.’

Finnigan also addressed the House in seconding the motion, saying, `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 Vache Kahramanian commended
Ridgway, Finnigan and their Legislative Council colleagues for
recognizing what he described a `proud intertwining of histories for
Armenian Australians.’

`It is fitting that 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,’
Kahramanian said. `It is important for nations like Australia to
recognize and condemn all acts of genocide, as some, like the Armenian
Genocide, remain unpunished.’

Ridgway commended the Armenian Australian community and the ANC of
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.’