The Federal Member for Bennelong, John Alexander, has released a statement condemning Azerbaijan’s aggression towards the Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh and the targeting of innocent civilian lives.
“I deplore the recent acts of aggression committed by the Azerbaijan military against ethnic Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh, with reports of civilians being targeted including the shelling of a school in the Martuni region that resulted in the death of a 12 year old boy and the serious injury of two other children,” Alexander said.
Alexander has spoken in Parliament on several occasions regarding the status of Nagorno-Karabakh, and reiterated in his statement that it is an Armenian-populated Republic with people who “enjoy a democratic system of government, a commitment to human rights and a free press that lies in start contrast to their closest neighbour”.
In his statement, Alexander reminds us that this year would mark the 25th Anniversary of Independence for the Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh, the 28th Anniversary of the Sumgait Pogroms, and the 101st Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.
While slamming Azerbaijan’s aggression, Alexander also condemned the Turkish government’s recent seizure of Armenian, Assyrian and Chaldean Churches in the Diyarbakir region.
In regards to Azerbaijan’s aggression and Turkey’s expropriation, Alexander said: “These historical events remain supremely relevant to Armenian people in Yerevan, Artsakh, Sur and across the globe.”
ANC Australia Executive Administrator Arin Markarian said: “We thank Mr. Alexander for this highly commendable statement during these tough times. Again, his strong stance and voice has shown why he is a great advocate for human rights issues, and a great friend of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh.”
“It is very important that other MPs and Senators join in a united effort to condemn the violent aggression that Azerbaijan has initiated against the Armenians of the Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh, and Mr. Alexander has done himself well to lead the way on bringing awareness to this issue in Australia.”