ArmenPress
Dec 1 2004
FRENCH AUTHORITIES OPEN CRIMINAL CASE INTO A CLASH BETWEEN ARMENIANS
AND TURKS
PARIS, DECEMBER 1, ARMENPRESS: French authorities have opened a
criminal case into a recent clash between Armenian and Turkish young
men in the town of Valence. Four Armenians are still in hospital and
two Turks are in custody.
Five young Armenians were injured in Valance, France by a group of
Turks on Monday. In an effort to protest Turkey’s possible entry to
the EU, French Armenians placed a display about the genocide in the
Valance municipality square, and were collecting signatures
supporting the pre-condition of genocide to Turkey’s EU bid. A group
of Turks reportedly made offensive remarks toward the Armenians,
threw bottles at them, and eventually resorted to violence. Four of
the five Armenians were taken to hospital with injuries.
Armenian ambassador in France Edward Nalbandian said not only the
material but also the moral damages sustained by Armenians should be
restored. “French citizens of Turkish origin have violated a French
law that recognizes the right of its citizens to free expression of
their opinions,” he said.
The attack on Armenians was condemned by many members of the
French parliament. Armenian organizations in France published a
message condemning this activity. In a letter addressed to the
minister of internal affairs, they demanded that the criminals face
justice.