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 Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. 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". Partner news | SBP instant transfers now available from 190 Russian banks to Armenia To receive money from Russian banks, easywallet users need to go to their easywallet accounts. Armenia's Davit Chaloyan qualifies for Paris Olympics The Armenian boxer qualified for Paris Olympics after a series of successful bouts at the 2nd World Qualification Tournament. Lemkin Institute urges Armenia to respect people’s right to dissent The Lemkin Institute has urged the Armenian government to respect people’s fundamental human right to express their dissent. French-Armenian journalist returns to France after 41-day hunger strike Nicolian said on social media on Sunday, June 2 that he needs to improve his health in order to “continue the fight”. |