French government opposes bill criminalizing Armenian Genocide denialApril 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 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 | Power of One Dram sums up two-year program with Teach for Armenia Idram Junior also joined the companies during the visit, bringing with it a fascinating intellectual game for children Moscow slams EU mission in Armenia for “provocative activity” The EU mission is doing more and more against Armenia’s neighbors Russia, Azerbaijan and Iran, Mikhail Galuzin said. Yerevan Mayor to travel to Paris on May 15-19 The official delegation headed by Yerevan Mayor Tigran Avinyan will travel to Paris from May 15 to 19. Armenia, India hold first defense consultations The meeting was attended by Indian Ambassador Nilakshi Saha Sinha and Defense Attaché Brigadier General Naveen Nijhawan. |