Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan sent a letter to his French counterpart Nicolas Sarkozy on the occasion of French Senate’s adoption of the bill criminalizing genocide denial.

The letter states: “Today France has reaffirmed its greatness and power, its devotion to the universal human values. This day is exceptional for all those, who are struggling for the protection of human rights, for the condemnation and prevention of the crimes against humanity. This is a historic day for the Armenians all over the world – in Armenia, in France, everywhere. Finally, this is an unforgettable day, and it will be inscribed in gold into the centuries-long history of the Armenian and French peoples.

Dear Mr. President,

I thank you for your personal commitment, for your invaluable input which made possible the adoption of the law criminalizing the denial of genocides. I convey to you these words of gratitude and wish you new and greater achievements for the benefit and the best future of France and the French people.”