The residents, many of whom have a Turkish background, are concerned that the proposed

monument may divide the community.

Bossley Park resident Adem Cetinay said the Assyrians were not the only cultural group affected by genocide.

``I believe Fairfield Council should not enter into the genocide debate and divide the community,'' Mr Cetinay said.

``I'd hate to see this ignite racial tension but we feel we need to put our point across.''

Mr Cetinay said that without official recognition of the genocide, which occurred in World War I, the monument was more likely to promote debate and ``disunity rather

than harmony''.

Mr Cetinay started a petition last week and it has already been signed by more than 800 people who are

opposed to the memorial.

``There are many reasons why this proposal should not go ahead and this is just one of them,'' he said.

THE ASSYRIAN VIEWPOINT

THE deputy secretary-general of the Assyrian Universal Alliance, Hermiz Shahen, wrote a letter to the Fairfield Champion to clarify the Alliance's position:

``We are not seeking imposition and unfair acquisition of a land that we shall call Assyria in Australia. But we

are creating a historical monument dedicated to the average person, just like you and us, fallen as innocent

victims to a devastating mass genocide of Assyrians, Armenians and Hellenic people.

``History is to be taught, not carried forward and to be lived in. We want understanding of our historical facts

and shall continue to do so as long as we remain Assyrians united in promoting peace, love and harmony

to the rest of the world.''

What do you think of the proposal?