  French government opposes bill criminalizing Armenian Genocide denial April 14, 2011 - 15:58 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The French government and President Nicolas Sarkozy are against the Senate taking up a bill criminalizing the Armenian Genocide denial, the French Foreign Ministry has announced. Responding to a formal question from a ruling Union for a Popular Movement (UMP) party deputy, the Foreign Ministry said a new legal measure is unnecessary given that France already recognized the Armenian Genocide in 2001 and that French laws already ban actions stirring ethnic violence, ethnic hatred and discrimination, Today's Zaman reports citing private NTV television. The statement also said approval of the bill in the Senate would jeopardize “historians' patient and constructive efforts” to draft a “common memory that would be accepted and recognized by everyone.” “Exposing the truth about what happened in the past and framing our shared memory is a task for historians,” the statement said.   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 |  Topic Latest news U.S. welcomes Armenia, Azerbaijan’s border delimitation announcement  Blinken said it is an important step towards concluding a durable and dignified peace agreement.Residents Of border villages protest as Armenia, Azerbaijan agree on delimitation Residents of several Armenian communities in the northeastern Tavush province began protests late on Friday.Up to 10% cashback from GetTransfer with IDBank cards IDBank clients who make their booking on GetTransfer will receive an exclusive cashback.Cyprus parliament honors Armenian genocide victims Acting House President Zacharias Koulias noted that April 24 marks the “black anniversary” of the Armenian genocide. |
