Prime Minister of the Australian New South Wales (NSW) Barry O’Farrell and other officials resisted the Turkish government’s threats to ban them from the Gallipoli celebrations, ABC writes.

The threats were voiced after NSW parliament adopted a resolution recognizing the 1915 Armenian Genocide perpetrated by the Ottoman Empire.

Responding to Turkish officials, Barry O’Farrell noted that the fact cannot be denied.

“What a terrible indictment by the consul general of the freedom that was fought for on the Gallipoli Peninsula in 1915. The truth will set people free, history should never be denied, otherwise it is likely to be repeated,” the Premier said.

Transport Minister Gladys Berejiklian, who is of Armenian origin, said the Australians stand aside by their ability to express the views freely and this “freedom is exactly what was fought for in Gallipoli in 1915.”