Azerbaijan accuses France of “disrespect for human rights and freedoms”December 23, 2011 - 14:48 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - France expressed its disrespect for human rights and freedoms with the adoption of bill penalizing denial of the Armenian Genocide, according to Deputy Chairman and Executive Secretary of ruling Yeni Azerbaijan party. In his address to Azerbaijani parliament, Ali Ahmedov described decision of French National Assembly as “undue and unfair pressure on Turkey.” “I hope the citizens of Azerbaijan will also express their anger in this regard. France is an OSCE Minsk Group co-chair, mediating the settlement of Karabakh conflict. Seeing as Paris is this biased and prejudiced, each Azerbaijani citizen, including me, must a draw a relevant conclusion as to objectivity and impartiality of OSCE Minsk Group co-chair,” Ahmedov said. “Each step against fraternal Turkey will be seen as directed agaisnt Azerbaijanis and Azerbaijan,” the MP added. On December 22, French National Assembly passed the bill criminalizing the Armenian Genocide denial. The draft law envisages a year in jail and a fine of 45,000 euros for those who publicly deny the Armenian Genocide in France. 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 | Narek Manasyan wins European Boxing Championships silver for Armenia Armenia’s Narek Manasyan (92kg) won Armenia’s second silver medal at the European Boxing Championships 2024 on April 28. Blinken urges Azerbaijan to continue negotiations with Armenia Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken has urged Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to continue negotiations with Armenia. Pashinyan, Blinken talk Armenia-U.S. ties over the phone Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had a phone conversation with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on April 28, Pashinyan’s office reports. Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation. |