ANC Australia: Message to Turkish President
Armenian National Committee of Australia Inc.
The Peak Public Affairs Committee of the Armenian-Australian Community
259 Penshurst Street, P.O. Box 768, Willoughby NSW 2068
Tel: (02) 9419 8264 Fax: (02) 9411 8898
Email:info@anc.net.au
The Peak Public Affairs Committee of the Armenian-Australian Community
259 Penshurst Street, P.O. Box 768, Willoughby NSW 2068
Tel: (02) 9419 8264 Fax: (02) 9411 8898
Email:info@anc.net.au
6 December 2005
Contact: Dr Tro Kortian (m) 0412 197 364
MEDIA RELEASE: For immediate release
Message to Turkish PM
“YES� to closer trade and cultural ties between Australia and Turkey;
“NO� to denial of the Armenian Genocide and the blockade of Armenia
SYDNEY - The Armenian National Committee of Australia Inc (ANC Australia) has called on Prime Minister Howard to urge Turkish Prime Minster Erdogan during his official visit to Australia to desist from the Turkish Government’s morally bankrupt policy of denial of the Armenian Genocide.
"We welcome all efforts to improve cultural, educational and mutually beneficial trade ties between Australia and other countries such as Turkey. Nevertheless, we firmly believe that the development and improvement of relations between Australia and Turkey must not be at the expense of such critical issues of importance as human rights," said Dr Tro Kortian, President of the ANC Australia.
Dr Kortian added: "The forthcoming official visit should not discourage Australia from firmly adding its voice against such genocide denial and the persecution of those courageous writers, academics and other citizens in Turkey (including the internationally renowned Turkish writer Orhan Parmuk) who are calling for real democracy in their country and an open and honest re-assessment of their history, including the dark chapter of the Armenian Genocide."
Turkey recently commenced its long path of negotiation for possible membership of the European Union. The European Parliament re-iterated, however, its long-held position by passing a resolution on 28 September 2005 whereby it called on Turkey to, among other things, "recognise the Armenian genocide; considers this recognition to be a prerequisite for accession to the European Union".
