European Parliament refused to condemn French bill on Armenian Genocide

09.03.2007 15:52

YEREVAN (YERKIR) – The European Parliament has refused to condemn the
French bill making it a crime to deny the Armenian Genocide.

As reported by the Armenian European Federation (EAFJD), November 13,
2006 three European parliamentarians introduced a statement `On the
passage of the French bill criminalizing denial of the Armenian
Genocide of 1915′.

Late February the statement was signed by 38 out of 785
parliamentarians and the document wasn’t consequently put on the
agenda. The statement reads regret at the adoption of the bill that
`doesn’t contribute to the activities of those who struggle for
respect for freedom of speech and expression in Turkey.’

The authors of the statement consider that the passing of the French
bill ` will have a negative impact on the Turkish-Armenian relations
and will create a dangerous precedent in the form of punishment for
the events not officially recognized by all interested sides.

EAFJD Executive director Loran Leylekian said that Hrant Dink’s murder
should be a lesson for those who fight against recognition of the
Armenian Genocide and adoption of the bill criminalizing its
denial. These people are responsible for creation of atmosphere of
hatred for Armenians, according to him.