Australian MP Michael Sukkar urges Victorian Premier to support recognition of 1915 Sayfo Genocide

MELBOURNE — After the Premier of Victoria, Australia, backed away from plans to hold a referendum on the draft resolution recognizing the 1915 Sayfo Genocide, Liberal Party MP Michael Sukkar criticized the moved and called for Premiere Allan to reverse course.

In a formal letter, Sukkar urged the Parliament of Victoria to take a definitive stance on recognizing the genocide against the Armenian, Greek, and Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) communities who lived within the borders of the Ottoman Empire at the time. He encouraged MPs to stand firmly alongside these communities by acknowledging the genocide. Sukkar also highlighted the letters of support sent by various Australian communities, pressing for official recognition.

Sukkar, who is of Lebanese heritage, underscored the importance of continued coordination and communication with Australian MPs to increase pressure on Victorian authorities to formally recognize the 1915 Sayfo Genocide.