Turkish Daily News: EU turns deaf ear to Turkish "fears" over genocide draftApril 19, 2007 - 20:08 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Despite Turkey's pressure on the European Union to prevent such a draft which Ankara "fears" could spread moves in Europe to criminalize any denial of the Armenian Genocide, the EU is close to adopt the bill. The Justice and Home Affairs Council is expected to reach a general approach on this Framework Decision on Thursday in Luxembourg. Turkish Daily News reports, recent discussions on this file in all preparatory bodies of the Council have shown the political will of the delegations to achieve consensus on the text of the Framework Decision. The technical questions have nearly all been solved. The draft text will make it mandatory for all EU member states to punish public incitement "to violence or hatred against a group of persons or a member of such a group defined by reference to race, color, religion, descent or national or ethnic origin and will also criminalize publicly condoning, denying or trivializing crimes of genocide." Member states will ensure that these conducts are punishable by criminal penalties of a maximum of at least between one and three years of imprisonment. Member states will not have to modify their constitutional rules and fundamental principles relating to freedom of association, freedom of the press and the freedom of expression. After its adoption, member states will have two years to comply with the Framework Decision. 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 | Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation. Armenia: Defense Ministry warns against involving army in political processes The Ministry’s statement came after a video surfaced online, showing soldiers joining the protests in Tavush. Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. |