SYDNEY: Nagorno Karabakh human rights activist Zori Balayan is in Australia this week to meet with the Armenian-Australian community at gatherings throughout Sydney and Melbourne, reports the Armenian National Committee of Australia (ANC Australia).

In a week long Sydney-program, Balayan will appear at various gatherings, culminating in a communitywide presentation which will be held at 7:30pm on Thursday 10th of March, 2011 in the Armenian Cultural Centre (259 Penshurst Street, Willoughby).

Visiting to further promote the impending arrival of ‘Cilicia’ - the ship named and modelled after the 13th century vessels used in and around the Armenian kingdom of Cilicia – Balayan will also share with the Armenian-Australian community his experiences during the struggle for liberation of the Republic of Nagorno Karabakh.

The novelist and journalist from Stepanakert participated in the Karabakh movement during the late 80s and early 90s. Working closely with Baroness Caroline Cox, Balayan’s advocacy efforts increased awareness of the plight Armenians faced in Karabakh and led to greater support for the people’s right to self-determination.

Having met with Balayan earlier in the week to discuss Karabakh advocacy efforts in Australia, ANC Australia Executive Director Varant Meguerditchian said: “Mr Balayan has been tireless in his efforts to raise awareness of Nagorno Karabakh over the past two decades.”

“Mr Balayan’s visit offers community members an opportunity to attend his presentations and receive updates regarding Nagorno Karabakh.”