France won't take down statues, says Macron June 15, 2020 - 15:50 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - French President Emmanuel Macron has said that fighting racism should not lead to a "hateful" re-writing of history, Yahoo News UK reports. The French president delivered a televised public address from the Élysée Palace on Sunday, June 14 evening following worldwide Black Lives Matter protests. Some protesters have targeted statues of historic figures associated with slavery or other past human rights abuses. In Bristol a bronze memorial to slave trader Edward Colston was torn down as part of an anti-racism demonstration. Similar protests have taken place across the world, and many authorities have removed controversial statues, but Macron told the French people he would not be following suit. He said: “I will be very clear tonight, compatriots: the Republic won't erase any name from its history. It will forget none of its artworks, it won't take down statues.” The public address marked the first time Macron has spoken on the issues since George Floyd’s death in the United States on May 25 unleashed protests around the world. France has seen regular demonstrations in the past three weeks, with some descending from peaceful events into clashes between protesters and riot police. Macron said that a person’s “address, name, color of skin” can reduce their chances at succeeding in French society, and called for a fight to ensure that everyone can “find their place” regardless of ethnic origin or religion. Photo: Abdulmonam Eassa/Barcroft Media via Getty Images   Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads.   Partner news |  Latest news Biden honors resilience of Armenian people on April 24  U.S. President Joe Biden has issued a statement on the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.Ex-Karabakh leader moved to solitary confinement cell in Baku, his son says David Vardanyan is the son of former Karabakh leader Ruben Vardanyan who who is currently imprisoned in Azerbaijan.Macron says France commemorates 109th anniv. of Armenian genocide Today France commemorates the 109th anniversary of the Armenian genocide of 1915, Macron says.Freedom House concerned by mounting reports of police violence in Armenia Freedom House urged Armenian authorities to investigate this pattern of excessive force and inhumane treatment. |
