NTV MSNBC, Turkey
Oct 13 2006
Turkish PM’s office condemns French genocide denial law
The passing of the law was a narrow minded act that trampled
fundamental values, the statement said.
Güncelleme: 16:34 TSÝ 13 Ekim 2006 CumaANKARA – The decision of the
French parliament to approve a bill that outlaws denying that the
Ottoman Empire carried out a massacre of its Armenian during the
First World War was regrettable and a historical inconsistency, a
statement issued by the office of the Turkish Prime Minister said
late Thursday.
The statement, released by the Prime Ministry press centre, said that
the decision was shameful when considered in the light of scientific
facts and freedom of thought and expression.
`We regret and condemn adoption of the resolution that makes denial
of baseless Armenian genocide allegations a crime by the French
parliament,’ the statement said.
On Thursday, the French parliament voted to adopt a bill that would
imposed a 45,000 euro fine and a prison term of up to one year on any
person found guilty of denying that the so-called Armenian genocide
took place.
Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s press office said that the
legislation had been motivated by political interests and not those
of historical accuracy.
`Narrow-minded politicians, who have made France live with this
shame, should think about what will happen from now on,’ the
statement said. `The French parliament has contradicted its own
allegations regarding French history, and trampled the fundamental
values it is defending. Even though this parliament decision is not
enough for legalisation of the resolution, this is a grave and
historic mistake. There is a big reaction against this resolution in
France, and history will naturally try those who close their eyes to
these reactions and insist on this wrong step. Unfortunately, it
won’t be possible to control all the results of this irresponsible
attitude of some French politicians.’
The statement said that Turkey could neither accept nor tolerate such
an unjust decision. `Our public, including our Armenian citizens with
whom we are living together for centuries, are upset,’ it said. `Mr.
Prime Minister is calling on our public, politicians and business
circles to behave with common sense when showing necessary reactions
to this decision.’