Menu
Latest
Menu
Latest
Edward Nalbandian:

Edward Nalbandian:

16 January 2012

"Turkey's objections and arguments against the bill criminalizing the Armenian Genocide denial in France are, to put it mildly, weak and groundless," Foreign Minister of Armenia Edward Nalbandian said in a press conference Monday.

He said Armenia has expressed its appreciation of the people and leadership of France after relevant bill was passed in the parliament of that country. "Today that bill is on agenda of the Senate," Nalbandian mentioned. He said that the bill bears no relation to normalization of the Armenian-Turkish relations. "What hinders the Armenian-Turkish normalization is the stance of the Turkish party. And the world community is well aware of that. Therefore, 'the ball is said to be on Turkey's side of the pitch now,'" the minister said.

He said that the arguments saying that France and Turkey have certain economic interests and Turkey has a certain part in the regional issues smell of corruption. "It is not only blackmail. They want to offer a bribe. This bill is in line with the European Union's framework decision dated Nov 28 2008. I do not think that human values are replaceable with any arguments, especially such as Turkey makes," Nalbandian said.

On December 22 2011 the French National Assembly Commission for Constitutional Laws, Legislation and General Administration of the Republic passed the bill authored by Valerie Boyer of the Union for
Popular Movement (UMP) by the proposal of several Senate members. The bill is criminalizing the Armenian genocide denial, amends the law on freedom press criminalizing, proposing a clause on racially motivating crimes. The new bill stipulates one year in prison and a fine in the amount of 45,000 Euros for anyone who denies the fact of the Armenian Genocide in the territory of France, which officially recognized the Armenian genocide on Jan 29 2001. The bill has been submitted to the Senate.

Related articles

Editor's choice
News
Borrell tells the European Parliament that the situation in Afghanistan was critical, but the EU will remain engaged
Trending

Borrell tells the European Parliament that the situation in Afghanistan was critical, but the EU will remain engaged

9 June 2021
Borrell underlined that the European Union will make every effort to support the peace process and to remain a committed partner to the Afghan people. "Of course, we will have to take into account the evolving situation, but disengagement is not an option.  We are clear on that: there is no alternative to a negotiated political settlement, through inclusive peace talks.
Editor's choice
News
Opposition leader amongst those injured after police break up anti government protests in Georgia
Trending

Opposition leader amongst those injured after police break up anti government protests in Georgia

1 May 2024
Riot police in Georgia have fired tear gas and water cannon to disperse crowds protesting against a bill seen by the opposition as targeting media freedoms and narrowing the space for the work of civil society. Demonstrators threw eggs and bottles at the police outside the parliament in the capital, Tbilisi. The crowds retreated, but clashes continued on the main Rustaveli Avenue late on Tuesday. A number of people were reportedly injured and detained. Georgia's IPN news agency says that Levan Khabeishvili, chairman of the main opposition party United National Movement, was severely beaten and taken to hospital. He was later shown in a hospital bed where he is said to have a broken nose. Reuters news agency says that eyewitnesses saw some police officers physically attack protesters. On 17 April, MPs gave their initial backing to the "foreign agent" bill. The bill is now going through its last stages in parliament. Under the bill proposed by the ruling Georgian Dream party, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and independent media that receive more than 20% of their funding from foreign donors would have to register as organisations "bearing the interests of a foreign power". They would also be monitored by Georgia's justice ministry and could be forced to share sensitive information - or face hefty fines of up to 25,000 Georgian lari ($9,400). The passing of the bill in its first reading triggered a series of street protests. Opponents of the bill demand that the government scrap it, arguing that it is inspired by authoritarian legislation that neighbouring Russia uses to crush dissent.

Popular

Editor's choice
News
Opposition leader amongst those injured after police break up anti government protests in Georgia
Trending

Opposition leader amongst those injured after police break up anti government protests in Georgia

1 May 2024
Riot police in Georgia have fired tear gas and water cannon to disperse crowds protesting against a bill seen by the opposition as targeting media freedoms and narrowing the space for the work of civil society. Demonstrators threw eggs and bottles at the police outside the parliament in the capital, Tbilisi. The crowds retreated, but clashes continued on the main Rustaveli Avenue late on Tuesday. A number of people were reportedly injured and detained. Georgia's IPN news agency says that Levan Khabeishvili, chairman of the main opposition party United National Movement, was severely beaten and taken to hospital. He was later shown in a hospital bed where he is said to have a broken nose. Reuters news agency says that eyewitnesses saw some police officers physically attack protesters. On 17 April, MPs gave their initial backing to the "foreign agent" bill. The bill is now going through its last stages in parliament. Under the bill proposed by the ruling Georgian Dream party, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and independent media that receive more than 20% of their funding from foreign donors would have to register as organisations "bearing the interests of a foreign power". They would also be monitored by Georgia's justice ministry and could be forced to share sensitive information - or face hefty fines of up to 25,000 Georgian lari ($9,400). The passing of the bill in its first reading triggered a series of street protests. Opponents of the bill demand that the government scrap it, arguing that it is inspired by authoritarian legislation that neighbouring Russia uses to crush dissent.