Turkey recalls ambassador to France over Genocide billDecember 22, 2011 - 19:10 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The Turkish ambassador to France will leave Paris Friday, Dec 23 in protest at the adoption of a bill penalizing Armenian Genocide denial by French parliamentarians, an embassy spokesman said. As spokesman Engin Solakoglu stated, "My ambassador will leave for Turkey tomorrow for an indefinite period.” Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan was expected to confirm the recall of the ambassador at a press conference later Thursday, Dec 22. France's National Assembly approved the bill, which punishes denial of genocides by a year's imprisonment and a fine of Euro 45 000, on Thursday. The bill was adopted by a large majority. To become law it must also be approved by the Senate, DPA reported. 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 | Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. Aliyev says no need for mediators in Armenia-Azerbaijan process Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev believes that Baku and Yerevan do not mediators in the process of normalizing relations. Aram I supports Karekin II’s “patriotic position” Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia Aram I has expressed support for the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. |