Australian Politicians Honoured by NKR at ANC Australia's Annual Gala

Saturday, 05 November 2016

On Friday, November 4, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Nagorno Karabakh to Austalia, Kaylar Michaelian, presented Gratitude Medals on behalf of the President of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic, Bako Sahakyan, who have been integral to progress towards recognition of the right to self-determination for the Armenians of Artsakh.

These awards were graciously received by NSW Treasurer, Gladys Berejiklian, Federal Parliamentarian John Alexander MP, former Federal Senator Joe Bullock, and both former and serving NSW State Parliamentarians Jonathan O’Dea, David Clarke, Amanda Fazio, Marie Ficarra, Fred Nile, and Walt Secord.

The recipients reaffirmed their commitment to the international recognition of Artsakh’s independence, citing the humanitarian imperative to ensure that the people of Artsakh may live free from persecution in the homeland they have inhabited continuously for over a millennium. It was said that the enduring memory of genocide and imperialist occupation experienced by the Armenian people makes all the more urgent the need to ensure Azerbaijan - a regime that consistently abuses the rights of even its own citizens - is deterred from pursuing its expansionary ambitions.

Permanent Representative Michaelian also presented the President’s Gratitude medal to ANC Australia for their tireless efforts in advocating for Artsakh in the Parliaments of Australia.

The Office of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic in Australia once again congratulates the recipients of the President’s Honours and expresses its sincere gratitude for their ongoing work towards the recognition of Artsakh’s independence.