SYDNEY: In a pre-election meeting with the Armenian National Committee of Australia (ANC Australia), Federal Liberal candidate for Bennelong John Alexander declared his support for recognition of the Armenian Genocide if elected.

"Recognition and condemnation of the Armenian Genocide is a pivotal step in the fight against genocide denial," said the former tennis champion and TV pundit, who will challenge Maxine McKew for the marginal seat containing more Armenian-Australians than any other this Federal Election.

Alexander added: "If elected at the August election to represent the people of Bennelong, I shall present the case for Armenian Genocide recognition, on behalf of the Armenian-Australians in Bennelong, to the federal parliament of Australia."

ANC Australia Executive Director Varant Meguerditchian welcomed Alexander's position: "After meeting with ANC Australia and conducting a thorough research of the facts, Mr. Alexander has declared his support for recognition of the Armenian Genocide."

"Based on his principled position we are certain Mr. Alexander will aptly represent Armenian-Australians if elected to the House of Representatives," added Meguerditchian.

At the upcoming Federal Election, the more than 4,000 Armenian-Australian voters in Bennelong will play a decisive role in determining the outcome of the marginal seat. Currently held by Labor's McKew with just 1.4% (2,434 votes), Bennelong has been targeted by the Liberal Party as a ‘must win' if it is to regain power.

Shortly, ANC Australia will present the respective Armenian-Australian policies of Alexander and the incumbent McKew in the 'ANC Australia Guide to Federal Election 2010'.