Pontian Genocide Recognition Sours Turkey Australian Relations

The Turkish ambassador to Australia said that relations between the two countries will be affected following the decision by the South Australia State Parliament to recognize the Genocide of the Pontians, Armenians and Assyrians. He also expressed regret at the decision by South Australian Attorney General, Minister of Justice and Multicultural Affairs, Michael Atkinson to visit Greece next week and address an event organized by the Pontians in Thessaloniki. Turkey launched a formal demarche in Australia after Mr. Atkinson tabled a motion for the official recognition of the Pontian genocide by the South Australia State Parliament.
Greeks in Melbourne are staging a protest outside the Turkish consulate on Sunday to demand the recognition of the genocide of Pontian Greeks between 1914 and 1922. The protest is part of Pontian Hellenism memorial events that begin in Melbourne this weekend.