Armenian expert: Belgium, Netherlands may follow France’s suit

January 27, 2012 - 13:00 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net - Even French Senate’s adoption of the bill criminalizing Genocide denial will not affect Turkey’s position on Armenian Genocide recognition, according to an Armenian expert

“Official Turkey won’t recognize the Armenian Genocide until its public is ready for it. Meanwhile, Belgium and the Netherlands are likely to follow France’s suit due to having a similar stance on the issue,” Artak Shakaryan said.

“Turkey itself doesn’t strive to join the EU in face of the eurozone crisis. Besides, there are a number of more serious issues, Cyprus dispute, for instance, that hamper Turkey’s accession process,” the expert stated, dwelling on deterioration of Turkish-EU ties.

Commenting on U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s statement on the draft law penalizing the Armenia Genocide denial, Shakaryan stressed the need for U.S. to recognize the Armenian Genocide first, and then only discuss adoption of similar bills.

On January 23 the French Senate passed the bill with 127 votes for and 86 against.

On December 22, 2011, it was adopted by the French National Assembly. The bill will impose a 45,000 euro fine and a year in prison for anyone in France who denies this crime against humanity committed by the Ottoman Empire.

The bill is believed to take effect in France within two weeks, after it will be signed by President.