Assyrians celebrate Genocide monument victory

Posted 16/12/2009 at 04:48 AM by Emmanuel George Brikha

After weeks of opposition from local Bonnyrigg residents and members of the Turkish community in Sydney’s West, Fairfield City Council last night approved an Assyrian Genocide statue and park for the Assyrian community of Sydney.

More than 300 people from Sydney's Assyrian, Armenian and Turkish communities gathered at the Council building at Wakeley in Sydney's west in protest of support and opposition to the application for the statue.

A heavy police presence, with mounted officers, and the riot and public order squad were present to prevent any violence at the council meeting.

Once the news of the approval was received outside at the protests, Assyrian supporters began to chant and raise flags in support of the decision. While members of the Turkish community and other opposition groups were kept away by police.

The Assyrian Genocide statue was supported and voted for by all five Assyrian councillors on Fairfield council despite a public petition of more than 800 signatures opposing the application.

Christian democratic party leader Reverend Fred Nile also made a surprise appearance to show support for the Assyrian community.

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