(ANC Australia) SYDNEY: Jonathan O’Dea remembered the Liberation of Shushi in the NSW Parliament’s Legislative Assembly last week, with the MP for Davidson and Chair of the NSW Armenia-Australia Parliamentary Friendship Group referring to it as a “significant” victory on the way to establishing the Republic of Nagorno Karabakh.
O’Dea noted that 9 May, 1992 was a day of particular importance for Armenians in his electorate and around the world as the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh) celebrated the Liberation of Shushi. He also spoke of the history of oppression by Azerbaijan’s military in the region, stating the Azeris would use the high ground of Shushi to shell the capital Stepanakert, which was home to thousands of civilians.
“I acknowledge the importance and significance of the Liberation of Shushi for the Armenians, and the integral role it played in helping to establish an autonomous Nagorno-Karabakh, which celebrates its twenty-fifth anniversary of independence this year” said O’Dea.
He also referred to the joint statement made by the NSW Armenia-Australia Parliamentary Friendship Group a few days before this statement, condemning Azerbaijan’s aggression in Artsakh, stating: “I also note that the Parliamentary Armenian Friendship Group has supported the rights to self-determination of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh, and expressed strong concern at recent Azeri aggression in the region.”
ANC Australia’s Executive Administrator, Arin Markarian said: “We thank Mr. O’Dea for acknowledging the importance of the Liberation of Shushi for Armenians, and continuing to be a champion for the Armenian peoples’ rights to self-determination in Nagorno-Karabakh.”
“In his capacity as Chair of the Armenian Friendship Group, Mr. O’Dea understands the scope of hardship, sacrifice and dedication shown by the native Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh, in order to achieve secession and independence for Artsakh from an oppressive Azerbaijan,” Markarian added.
Photo: Jonathan O’Dea