SYDNEY: The influential Australian Christian Lobby (ACL) has released a statement recognising the Armenian Genocide, and calling on the Australian government to “act swiftly to give formal recognition to this genocide and ensure the truth of this grave injustice is brought to light”.
The statement, released in time for the 104th anniversary commemoration of the Armenian Genocide, has been welcomed by the Armenian National Committee of Australia (ANC-AU), who recognise its significant coming from a non-party partisan, non-denominational grassroots movement made up of over 135,000 individuals who seek to bring a Christian influence to politics.
“This statement is timely in light of the increasing criticism and condemnation of Prime Minister’s recent back-flip on his recognition of the historical fact of the Armenian Genocide as well as foreign influence on the Australian Government’s position on this human rights issue,” said ANC-AU Executive Director, Haig Kayserian.
“We thank the Australian Christian Lobby and its New South Wales Director, Mr. Kieren Jackson for declaring their strong support for Australia’s unequivocal recognition of the Armenian Genocide,” Kayserian added. “We look forward to working with them and their network to make this a reality.”
The Australian Christian Lobby Statement in full:
“The Australian Christian Lobby recognises the Armenian Genocide in which approximately 1.5 million Armenians were systematically killed.
In solidarity with the Armenian people, we extend our support for the cause of formal recognition. The Australian government, which has yet to acknowledge the ghastly horror that was inflicted upon the Armenian people, should act swiftly to give formal recognition to this genocide and ensure the truth of this grave injustice is brought to light.
Signed – Kieren Jackson, NSW Director, Australian Christian Lobby”