(AINA) -- Members of the Australian Parliament have condemned the vandalism of the Assyrian Genocide Monument located in Bonnyrigg, a suburb of Sydney. The monument was defaced yesterday with offensive language and racial insults towards the Assyrian, Armenian and Jewish communities (AINA 2015-04-16).

MP Guy Zangari, the Shadow Minister for Trade and Tourism, issued the following statement:

It is with deep sadness that the Fairfield community deals with the vandalism of the Assyrian Genocide Monument for the fourth time since 2010.

This cowardly attack on the Assyrian Genocide Monument is totally unacceptable and un-Australian.

There is no place in our community for this type of offensive and hurtful behaviour.

It is extremely disappointing to know that the perpetrators have no regard for the thousands of souls lost at the hands of the Ottoman Empire from 1914-1918.

Our community must unite and join hands to stand up to racism.

Let us all keep the Assyrian community in our prayers and thoughts during this difficult time.

MP Dr. Hugh McDermott issued the following statement:

I am deeply saddened and utterly disgusted to learn about the vandalism to the Assyrian Genocide Monument in Bonnyrigg that occurred earlier this week.

The Monument, which pays tribute to the hundreds of thousands of Assyrian lives lost in an act of genocide was spray-painted with hateful messages and symbols against the Assyrian people.

Even to this day, Christian Assyrians face persecution in the Middle East.

The Assyrian people are an important and highly valued part of our multicultural society. Australians from all backgrounds stand together in condemning racial vilification and will not be deterred by the hateful actions of one person or very few people who do not reflect our values or the Australian way of life.

Today I met with fellow MPs and leaders from the Assyrian community to discuss ways to prevent future vandalism to this site. We will soon approach Fairfield Council with our plan to ensure this never happens again.

I will continue to support the Assyrian people in their struggle in this country and overseas.