BRITISH MEPS LAUNCH FORMAL ATTACK AGAINST FRENCH GENOCIDE LAW
ABHaber, Brussels
EU-Turkey News Network
Nov 20 2006
3 British MEPs Michael Cashman (Labour), Richard Howitt (Labour)
and Andrew Duff (Liberal Democrat) have joined forces to launch an
official attack against the French National Assembly’s recent adoption
of an amendment to a law which seeks to criminalise denial of the
‘Armenian genocide of 1915’.
The MEPs have tabled a written declaration (80/2006) in which they note
their concerns regarding the content and context of the French law.
Speaking about the reasons for launching this initiative Michael
Cashman said:
"It seems clear to me that this law has been drawn up simply for
reasons of political expediency and it will be exploited by those
who oppose Turkish entry into the EU in an attempt to stall accession
negotiations.
This is a dangerous political tactic and an unwelcome addition to
the serious issue of reaching agreement on EU enlargement" continued
Michael.
"Our goal must be to help not hinder EU Turkey relations and this is
why I’d encourage all MEPs to sign our written declaration".
concluded Michael
Richard Howitt MEP added:
"Turkey obviously has a long way to go before being ready to become
a member of the EU. What politicians should be doing is encouraging
Turkey to modernise, adapt and reform – not attempting to change the
rules by throwing more obstacles in Turkey’s path.
When the EU has rightly been calling on Turkey to drop their Article
301 which restricts free speech, this action by the French National
Assembly reeks of the worst kind of hypocrisy and provocation. That
is why I co-signed this written declaration" continued Richard.
For his part Andrew Duff MEP said:
"This law contradicts the universal fundamental right to freedom of
expression, a key value for all EU Member States and a value which,
ironically, stems from the principles of the French Enlightenment".
Such actions by a Member State government do nothing to assist on-going
negotiations between the EU and Turkey nor do they improve relations
between Turkey and Armenia.
It is for these reasons that I felt co-signing this written declaration
was the best way for me as an MEP to express my feelings on this
important European issue".
The British MEPs are hoping the written declaration will gain
signatures from a significant number of MEPs and provide a clear
signal that not all of Europe, or even all of France, agree with the
French Parliament’s position on this issue.
"I’d encourage all those who agree with our assessment of this
important issue to contact their MEPs and ask them to sign our written
declaration". concluded Michael
WRITTEN DECLARATION
pursuant to Rule 116 of the Rules of Procedure
by Michael Cashman, Andrew Duff and Richard Howitt
on the French National Assembly’s adoption of a law criminalising
denial of the ‘Armenian genocide of 1915’
Lapse date: 23.2.2007
0080/2006
Written declaration on the French National Assembly’s adoption of a
law criminalising denial of the ‘Armenian genocide of 1915’
The European Parliament,
– having regard to the law adopted on 12 October 2006 by the French
National Assembly known as ‘reconnaissance du genocide armenien
de 1915’,
– having regard to the Council’s approval on 3 October 2005 of a
framework for negotiations with Turkey on its accession to the EU,
– having regard to its resolution of 27 September 2006 on the progress
of the Turkish accession negotiations,
– having regard to Article 10 of the European Convention on Human
Rights,
– having regard to Article 11 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights
of the European Union,
– having regard to Rule 116 of its Rules of Procedure,
A. whereas the European Parliament does not believe that recognition
by Turkey of the ‘Armenian genocide of 1915’ should be a precondition
for EU membership,
1. Deplores the French National Assembly’s decision to adopt a draft
law criminalising denial of the ‘Armenian genocide of 1915’;
2. Believes that such a law would contradict the universal fundamental
right to freedom of expression, which stems from the principles of
the French Enlightenment;
3. Fears that this action is entirely unhelpful to those in Turkey
who are campaigning to ensure full respect for the freedom of opinion
and expression, precisely at a time when the EU should be deepening
its links with Turkey and encouraging more open and honest dialogue;
4. Does not find that this initiative is designed to improve relations
between Turkey and Armenia;
5. Regrets that this law would set a dangerous precedent by
criminalising the denial of an event that has not been officially
recognised by all of the principal parties involved;
6. Calls on the French Senate to reject the draft law;
7. Instructs its President to forward this declaration, together with
the names of the signatories, to the European Council, the European
Commission, the French National Assembly and the French Government.