SYDNEY—The Legislative Council of the New South Wales Parliament adopted a resolution recognizing the Republic of Nagorno Karabakh and the right to self-determination of its Armenian people, who declared independence 20 years ago.
The motion, which was unanimously adopted on Thursday 25th October, comes after many months of advocacy from the Armenian National Committee of Australia (ANC Australia). It was introduced to the Chamber by the Hon. Marie Ficarra MLC, who was been a long-standing supporter of Armenian issues.
The motion acknowledges the 20th anniversary of independence for the Republic of Nagorno Karabakh, it supports the right to self-determination of its people, and it “calls on the Commonwealth Government [of Australia] to officially recognize the independence of the Republic of Nagorno Karabakh and strengthen Australia’s relationship with the Nagorno Karabakh and its citizens”.
ANC Australia Executive Director Vache Kahramanian and with Communications Director Haig Kayserian were present in the Gallery to witness the successful passage of this historic motion.
“Nagorno Karabakh has been at the forefront of ANC Australia’s recent activities. Today’s result is a victory for all those who continue to remain oppressed under brutal regimes,” Kahramanian remarked.
“The NSW Parliament has always been, and continues to be, a beacon of hope in upholding human rights. We thank all members of the Legislative Council for taking a stance to uphold the basic human right to self-determination. In particular we thank Marie Ficarra for her courageous stance.”
ANC Australia Honorary Chairman, Greg Soghomonian welcomed this historic decision.
Soghomonian said: “The Republic of Nagorno Karabakh is now receiving the status it has long deserved – an independent, democratic republic. This is a significant milestone for the Armenian-Australian community and the Armenian community at large.
He added: “This motion serves as a testament to the strength of the Armenian National Committee of Australia in ensuring the representation of all issues of importance to our community.”
The full text of the motion can be read below.
1. That this House notes that 2012 marks the twentieth anniversary of the declaration of independence of the Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh.
2. That this House:
(a) acknowledges the importance of the basic human right to self-determination and a free and a democratic society,
(b) recognizes the right to self-determination of all peoples including those of the Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh,
(c) notes Nagorno-Karabakh’s sustained efforts towards creating a free and democratic society through the use of legitimate parliamentary elections and its continued efforts to develop a responsible government,
(d) supports and encourages Nagorno-Karabakh’s involvement within the international community and further encourages its engagement with the international community to reach a solution to the existing regional problems to establish peace and stability,
(e) encourages peaceful relations and the continued promotion of humanitarian and economic support for the people of Nagorno-Karabakh; and
(f) calls on the Commonwealth Government to officially recognise the independence of the Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh and strengthen Australia’s relationship with the Nagorno-Karabakh and its citizens.
I Commend You ANC
I wish All Armenian People in the world would trust you and follow your leadership, including voting for any candidate you endorse all over the world.
Thank you Australia
You are a True Government. Not a Hypocrite as the United States of America
As good as this story has been, let’s hope the government of Australia recognizes Artsakh and not just a province.
That’s a bit weird , a ‘ State ‘ recognising an Independant Nation .
Congratulations…. We need to win this battle one city, state, country at time…
Thanks New South Wales Parliament this historic decision. keep going
Another example of diaspora / Artsakh/ Armenia unity. Bravo
Good for them… Armenia Should’ve done this a long time ago… The hell with political correctness or consequences… Turkey has over 100 UN resolutions against her over Cyprus; she still occupies 1/3 of the island and recognized it as a sovereign nation! What happened? Did Turkey suffer in any way? So it is still not a member of the EU… Big deal! EU is suffering it seems and Turkey is getting richer & richer without joining.
I agree, there is no point for Turkey to join the EU. It is not under the full control of socialistic over-taxation and over-spending which is a good thing if you ask me.
Also, NKR should be recognized and should have it’s independence, but the forcefully expelled Non-Armenian refugees from NKR should be returned, if this happens.
The “Non-Armenian refugees” are Azeri-Turks who were not forcefully expelled but rather left the Armenian homes their nomadic parents and grandparents occupied after killing the native Armenian population in these areas.
They left poor Artsakh villages to take homes and property of Armenians killed in Baku, Sumgait, Gandzak and all over the current artificial state of Axerbaijan.
There is no way for them to return because the Azeri-Turk government sponsored mass anti-Armenian xenophobia will not allow Armenian refugees to return to their homes. Many of them were sadistically killed by the same “Non-Armenian refugees”… so Armenians will only come back to liberate the rest of the native Armenian lands currently occupied by Azeri-Turk nomads.
Good on You 1/2 Australia
Great News, the world should stand up for all who seek Self-Determination ¨”United Nations General Assembly Resolution 1514 (XV)” to mention few, Krabagh, Scotland, Catalonia (Spain), Basque (Spain), 21st Century means a Free World With Law And Order
The Legislative Council of New South Wales’s as well as the ANC of Australia is to be commended on a job well done.
Thank you New South Wales!
The question remains: When will Armenia itself recognize the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic?
They did not recognize the independence of Artsakh, but the right of people to self determination and they called on the Australian government to recognize Artsakh’s independence. This is good and they should be commended for it, but let’s not start the fireworks just yet.
Russian speaking folks are encouraged to read the mind sobering article by Andrey Yepifantsov re this subject: http://regnum.ru/news/fd-abroad/armenia/1587815.html
Mr. Yepifanov tries to calm down the Azeri readers of Regnum. But in doing so, he tells again about mind set of a civilized society. So, it is good in all senses.
I think it is important that Azeris read more and more about civility. In all ways it unfolds.