European Parliament refused to condemn French bill on Armenian GenocideMarch 9, 2007 - 13:41 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The European Parliament has refused to condemn the French bill making it a crime to deny the Armenian Genocide. As reported by the Armenian European Federation (EAFJD), November 13, 2006 three European parliamentarians introduced a statement "On the passage of the French bill criminalizing denial of the Armenian Genocide of 1915". Late February the statement was signed by 38 out of 785 parliamentarians and the document wasn't consequently put on the agenda. The statement reads regret at the adoption of the bill that "doesn't contribute to the activities of those who struggle for respect for freedom of speech and expression in Turkey." The authors of the statement consider that the passing of the French bill "will have a negative impact on the Turkish-Armenian relations and will create a dangerous precedent in the form of punishment for the events not officially recognized by all interested sides. EAFJD Executive director Loran Leylekian said that Hrant Dink's murder should be a lesson for those who fight against recognition of the Armenian Genocide and adoption of the bill criminalizing its denial. These people are responsible for creation of atmosphere of hatred for Armenians, according to him. 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 | Court in Azerbaijan extends former Karabakh leader’s arrest by 5 months The Binagadi District Court in Azerbaijan has granted the prosecutor’s petition to extend the arrest of Arkady Ghukasyan. Ucom General Director joins High-Tech Development Panel Discussion The discussion was titled "The Role of International Corporations and Investors as Catalysts for Development of High-Tech Ecosystem." U.S. still believes “peace is possible” between Armenia, Azerbaijan The United States continues to believe that peace is possible between Armenia and Azerbaijan, Vedant Patel says. Dozens detained as antigovernment protest continue in Armenia At least 63 people demanding Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s resignation were detained on May 14 as they blocked streets in Yerevan. |