#SaveKessab Protest to be held at Sydney Turkish Consulate

Yerevan, March 31, Armenpress. A peaceful protest is to be held in front of the Turkish Consulate in Sydneyto express the Armenian-Australian community’s solidarity with the Armeniancommunity of Kessab, Syria, and to condemn Turkey’s actions.

On March 21st, armed rebel groups attacked the heavily Armenian-populated regionof Kessab, Syria, by crossing the Turkish border into Syria. Under the threat ofslaughter, the entire Armenian population of the region was forced to flee their homesto neighbouring towns, including Latakia and Bassit. Some were not so lucky andhave reportedly been taken hostage, while churches and homes have been destroyed.

A demonstration is to be held in Sydney to join with Armenian communities fromall around the world in condemning Turkey’s action, which is a continuation of its genocidal policy towards Armenians dating back to 1915.

Executive Director of the Armenian National Committee of Australia, VacheKahramanian, remarked: “This is an important opportunity to the Armenian-Australiancommunity to publicly show their solidarity with the Armenian community ofKessab."

“In 1915 the Ottoman Turkish rulers orchestrated the Armenian genocide and today,in the 21stcentury, the current Turkish Government is continuing the same policyagainst the Armenians in Syria,” Kahramanian added.

Spokesperson for the organising Armenian Youth Federation of Australia, Aram Tufenkjian,stated: “Today we call on all Armenians, young and old, to join in this important actionto hold Turkey accountable.”