Armenian National Committee of Australia\u2019s<\/a> (ANC Australia) Executive Administrator, Arin Markarian commented: \u201cWe thank Mr. Zimmerman for proving he will continue Mr. Hockey\u2019s fine work on the advancement of recognition and justice for the Armenian Genocide.\u201d<\/p>\nIn his speech, Zimmerman acknowledged the \u201cgreat historical injustices\u201d that the Armenians have suffered, particularly through the Armenian Genocide perpetrated by the Ottoman Empire in 1915.<\/p>\n
He said: \u201cThe Armenians are a people who have suffered great historical injustices. They are one of the few people against whom genocide has been attempted, and the awful legacy of those events of 1915 in the Ottoman Empire is deeply felt in their community today.\u201d<\/p>\n
Zimmerman added: \u201cWe know such horrific events are best healed through reconciliation, recognition and atonement. I hope that we will see a day when Turkey, indeed the global community through the United Nations, properly recognises the Armenian Genocide.\u201d<\/p>\n
ANC Australia has written to Zimmerman, congratulating him on his maiden speech, wishing him a fruitful career representing the electorate of North Sydney and the greater Australian community.<\/p>\n