Victorian Greens join SEKA in objecting to Parliamentary Friends of Azerbaijan group

·

The Victorian Greens party has joined its voice alongside SEKA Victoria in outlining its concerns about the establishment of a new Parliamentary Friends of Azerbaijan group initiated by Natalie Suleyman MP and David Southwick MP. 

The Victorian Greens said in a statement on Wednesday, June 19 that they were concerned about the formation of the new parliamentary friendship group because it risks “legitimising the action of the state of Azerbaijan that has been accused of a blockade and the ethnic cleansing of the Armenian people.”

“1.5 million Armenians and 1 million Greek and Assyrian people were killed in a genocide perpetrated by the Ottoman Empire beginning in 1915. The genocide was a grave crime against humanity and the Victorian Greens pay tribute to the memory of the victims,” the statement reads.

“In recent times, the Armenian community has continued to suffer gravely because of the actions of the state of Azerbaijan against the Armenian community in Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabkah). The recent blockade, attack and forced displacement of Armenians from the region resulted in the inaugural prosecutor of the International Criminal Court stating that there is a reasonable basis to believe that a genocide is being committed.”

In light of the growing international concern about the actions of the state of Azerbaijan, the Victorian Greens urged others members of parliament not to attend an inaugural Parliamentary Friends of Azerbaijan meeting on Wednesday night. The party said “it could send a message of endorsement of the actions of the state of Azerbaijan.”

Armenia and Azerbaijan have already fought two wars over Karabakh in the three decades
Armenia and Azerbaijan have already fought two wars over Karabakh in the three decades.

This statement by the Victorian Greens comes after SEKA Victoria’s President Pavlos Andronikos sent a letter to Victorian MPs on Tuesday, expressing the Greek and Cypriot Australian community’s concerns around the formation of the group.

In his letter, Mr Andronikos said Azerbaijan’s unprovoked attack eight months ago, which forced all Armenians in Artsakh to flee, compounded by crimes like occupying 215 square kilometers of territory within the sovereign borders of Armenia, desecrating religious and cultural heritage, and mistreating prisoners of war, makes “any attempt to establish such a forum reprehensible.”

“Attendance and participation in such a forum would send an inappropriate message, legitimising the crimes of Azerbaijan,” Mr Andronikos stressed.

“Each of you, as elected members, must take a principled stand and send a message to Azerbaijan that you will not allow the crimes of Azerbaijanis against indigenous Armenians and your own citizens to go unanswered.

“We, as Victorians and citizens of a free and democratic state, must stand with the people of Armenia as they endure one of the darkest chapters in their modern history. We can do better. We must do better.”

Cretan Convention - Web Banner

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Two Greek cities ranked among Europe’s most dangerous

Greece’s two largest cities, Athens and Thessaloniki, have been listed among the most dangerous cities in Europe.

Greek Australian Jono Petrohilos leads global fitness education evolution

Greek-Australian entrepreneur Jono Petrohilos shares how he turned his passion for fitness into a global education success story.

Greek Film Festival makes historic debut in Western Sydney

History was made in Parramatta as the 30th Greek Film Festival of Sydney held its official Western Sydney opening at the Riverside Theatres,

Brisbane Roar’s Georgios Vrakas eyes Socceroos future

Brisbane Roar’s new midfielder Georgios Vrakas says he would “love to play for Australia” as he prepares for his A-League debut.

Melbourne Shrine, a symbol, shines light on Greek government’s commitment to diaspora

At Melbourne’s Shrine of Remembrance, Greece’s Deputy Foreign Minister Ioannis Loverdos honoured shared battles.

You May Also Like

Opinion: Can we ever be united for the common good of the Hellenic community?

President of AHEPA NSW Inc, Bill Skandalakis, says it is time for the Australian Hellenic community to stop bickering amongst themselves and learn that only through unity can Hellenism survive.

Former Blacktown Mayor, George Nicolaidis OAM, honoured with Key to the City

Blacktown City Council has honoured former Mayor, George Nicolaidis OAM, with a Key to the City for his long and distinguished service.

Greek Community of Melbourne and Victoria: Meet the new Executive Team

The Greek Community of Melbourne Electoral Committee called to a meeting the 19 successful candidates from the most recent elections.