  Turkish media fears France will ratify bill to penalize Armenian Genocide denial December 13, 2011 - 12:54 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Turkish media outlets are concerned that French Senate’s ratification of a bill penalizing the Armenian Genocide denial is an actual possibility. Some are certain that during his visit to Yerevan French President Nicolas Sarkozy expressed unequivocal intention to support the bill. The publications explain Sarkozy’s position by an attempt to counter another presidential hopeful Francois Hollande who pledged to adopt the bill upon his election, while both are vying to garner Armenian community votes. On December 7, the Judiciary Committee of the French National Assembly passed the bill on criminalization of the Armenian Genocide denial introduced by MP Valerie Boyer (UMP). The bill envisages a 45,000 euros fine and a one-year imprisonment for the denial of the Armenian Genocide, which was recognized by France back in 2001. Later, Turkish Foreign Ministry issued a statement, warning France against “unrecoverable steps.” “At a moment when Turkey and France have entered into a process in which they could increase their cooperation at bilateral and international level, we hope no unrecoverable steps will be taken,” the statement said.   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 |  Topic Latest news Armenia-Azerbaijan: Experts launch work on determining coordinates  Expert groups from the countries started the process of determining the coordinates based on geodetic measurements.Yerevan says did not expect CSTO in peacekeeping role Pashinyan has declared that the CSTO would be expected to come to the Armenia-Azerbaijan border as an ally of ArmeniaHenrikh Mkhitaryan wins Serie A title with Inter Inter Milan midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan admits that the team have long been imagining clinching Serie A against AC Milan.Armenia not going to war over Karabakh, says Pashinyan Armenia is not preparing to fight a war for Nagorno Karabakh, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said in an interview. |
