TURKISH ASSOCIATIONS IN FRANCE REACTS TO BILL ON SO-CALLED ARMENIAN GENOCIDE
Turkish Press
Oct 23 2006
PARIS – Turkish associations in France have criticized a French bill
which aims to criminalize denial of so-called Armenian genocide on
the grounds that "it is against freedom of expression" and "it will
harm friendship between Turks and Armenians living in France."
Releasing a statement, the Union of Associations of Citizens of
Turkish origin (RACORT) said that the mentioned bill would deepen
the bluff between French citizens of Turkish and Armenian origin.
Recalling that Turkish and Armenian intellectuals started to discuss
tragic incidents that had taken place in the past thanks to the
process of democratization in Turkey, it stated that however a part
of French politicians approached the matter "in a demagogical and
self-seeking way".
On the other hand, COJEP –a Turkish nongovernmental organization
based in Strasbourg– issued a written statement noting that the bill
was an offensive one for Turkish people living in France.
It stressed, "this bill will remove the ground for discussions aiming
to enlighten the facts. Once again we are facing a bill which will
end dialogues and restrict freedoms."
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
