May 11, 2015

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20 NOTICE OF MOTION

20.1 Notice Of Motion: Condemnation Of The Genocide Of The Armenian, Greek And Assyrians Peoples

20 NOTICE OF MOTION 20.1 NOTICE OF MOTION: CONDEMNATION OF THE GENOCIDE OF THE ARMENIAN, GREEK AND ASSYRIANS PEOPLES

RESPONSIBLE OFFICER: DEBRA JUST – GENERAL MANAGER

AUTHOR: DEBRA JUST – GENERAL MANAGER

MEETING DATE: 11 MAY 2015

Purpose of Report

Councillor Hooper has indicated his intention to move the following Notice of Motion.

Motion

That:

A. Willoughby City Council recognises the genocide of the Armenian, Greek and Assyrians peoples by the then Ottoman Government between 1915 and1922 and condemns these and all other acts of genocide and crimes against humanity as the ultimate act of intolerance.

B. Willoughby City Council endorses the resolution of the NSW Parliament on 17 April 1997 that it:

1. recognises and condemns the Genocide of the Armenians by the then Ottoman Government between 1915 and 1922, and designated 24 April of every year thereafter as a day of remembrance of the 1.5 million Armenians who fell victim to the first genocide of the twentieth century;

2. recognises that Assyrians and Greeks were subjected to qualitatively similar genocides by the then Ottoman Government between 1915 and 1922;

3. reaffirms its condemnation of the genocide of the Assyrians, Armenians and Greeks, and all other acts of genocide as the ultimate act of intolerance;

4. recognises the importance of remembering and learning from such dark chapters in human history to ensure that such crimes against humanity are not allowed to be repeated;

5. acknowledges and pays tribute to the contribution of the Anzac servicemen who aided the survivors of the genocide; and

6. acknowledges the significant humanitarian relief contribution made by the people of New South Wales to the victims and survivors of the genocide.

General Manager’s Comments

A. Council notes that approximately 1.5 million Armenian, Greek and Assyrian people died during the period between 1915 and 1922. Over a number of years Willoughby City Councillors have demonstrated support for the recognition of the Armenian Community‟s commemorations of the genocide by attending annual memorial events.

B. Willoughby City Council notes the resolution of the NSW Parliament on 17 April 1997.

OFFICER'S RECOMMENDATION

That Council notes Clr Hooper’s notice of Motion.