NEW SOUTH WALES
Minister for Justice
Minister for Fair Trading
Minister Assisting the Minister for Commerce
Minister Assisting the Premier on Citizenship
MEDIA RELEASE
May 4, 2005
MINISTER HATZISTERGOS CONDEMNS REMOVAL OF ARMENIAN PLAQUE
The Minister for Justice and Minister Assisting the Premier on
Citizenship, Mr John Hatzistergos today condemned the removal of
a plaque in Meadowbank, commemorating the 90th anniversary of the
Armenian genocide.
The plaque, which was installed on April 24, 2005, the 90th anniversary
of the Armenian genocide – has been forcibly removed from Memorial
Park, Meadowbank. It is unknown who has removed the plaque.
“This is a disgraceful and cowardly act,” Mr Hatzistergos said.
The plaque was installed following a motion from Ryde City Council
officially recognising and condemning the Armenian Genocide of 1915,
the first genocide of the twentieth century.
“The plaque is solemnly dedicated to the 1.5 million men, women and
children who were victims of the Armenian genocide.
“It serves as a reminder to the community of such darks chapters in
human history.
“I urge anyone with information concerning the removal to contact
Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000,” Mr Hatzistergos said.
In 1997, the NSW Parliament passed a unanimous bi-partisan motion
condemning the Armenian genocide of 1915.
In the following year, the Parliament passed another motion to install
a memorial for the victims of the genocide. That memorial is located
in the NSW Parliamentary precinct.
MEDIA CONTACT: ANDREW MELLAS ON 9995 6300 OR 0403 329 268