In response, the Turkish Foreign Ministry has released a statement
stating that those who were responsible for this motion will “doubtlessly be
deprived of the hospitality and friendship” normally extended to Australians.
More specifically, the official statement says: “These
persons who try to damage the spirit of Çanakkale/Gallipoli will also not have
their place in the Çanakkale ceremonies where we commemorate together our sons
lying side by side in our soil.”
Anzac Day is a national day of remembrance in Australia,
commemorating the Australian and New Zealand soldiers who lost their lives
during World War I after landing in Gallipoli, Turkey on April 25th 1915. Every
year, thousands of Australians make a pilgrimage to Gallipoli for commemoration
ceremonies.
The Armenian National Committee of Australia (ANC Australia)
says that this statement technically means that all members of both Houses of
New South Wales Parliament cannot make this pilgrimage, and will not be treated
hospitably if they visited Turkey due to this legislation, which affirms the
reality of the Armenian Genocide, as well as the Genocides of Assyrians and
Greeks.
ANC Australia Executive Director, Vache Kahramanian said:
“The Turkish Republic is once again trying to gag a democratic state because of
their desire to speak the truth.”
“Turkey has time and time again tried to interfere in the
legislative affairs of nations and legislatures who have the moral standing to
recognize the heinous crime of genocide.”
“Turkey is attempting to utilize the sacred memory of
Gallipoli as a political football. This is a deplorable action and should be
condemned by all,” Kahramanian added.
Kahramanian noted that Turkey has had a long history of
making such threats against nations who have recognized the Armenian genocide,
including France and Canada. None of these threats, which include ceasing trade
and diplomatic relations, have ever materialized.
ANC Australia will be meeting with legislators of
Australia’s largest state of NSW in coming days, as many are deeply offended at
having an ally nation ban elected Australian officials from taking part in
Anzac celebrations in Gallipoli, Turkey.
Source: Panorama.am
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