U.S. continues to support normalization of relations between Turkey and Armenia, State Department spokesman said when commenting on adoption of bill outlawing denial of Armenian Genocide in France.

Asked about State Department’s position on the arrest of journalists and intellectuals in Turkey, Mark Toner said: “We are aware of these arrests. I think up to 38 people were arrested, many of whom are prominent academics, journalists, intellectuals, political activists. We’re certainly monitoring the case very closely, and we would urge that any investigations and prosecutions proceed in a very transparent manner given the sensitivity.”

On December 22, French National Assembly passed the bill criminalizing the Armenian Genocide denial. The draft law envisages a year in jail and a fine of 45,000 euros for those who publicly deny the Armenian Genocide in France.

Earlier this week, about 40 poeple, including photojournalist Agency France-Presse were arrested in seven cities across Turkey. The arrests were executed under anti-terrorist law enforcement operations in Turkey.