Discussion of ‘Armenian Genocide’ an insult to French democracy

Azerbaijan, Baku, Dec 20 / Trend M.Aliev/ Discussion of the bill criminalising the denial of the farfetched 'Armenian genocide' now being debated in the French Parliament, is an insult to French democracy, first deputy chairman of Milli Mejlis (Parliament) of Azerbaijan Ziyafet Askerov told reporters on Tuesday. Mr Askerov noted that everyone has their own opinion, but discussion of this issue in the French parliament is absurd. "This step does not promise anything good in terms of relations between Turkey and France because it can be considered as pressure on Ankara. The misfortune of the Armenians is that they are used to such matters. However they themselves cannot escape from this situation, because they are such nation. This pressure on Turkey doesn't fit into any international standards," Mr Askerov said. Member of the French presidential party, Union for a Popular Movement (UMP) which has the parliamentary majority, did, early in December, present a bill aimed to introduce criminal punishment for denial of the so-called 'Armenian genocide' to the legislative committee of the National Assembly. The bill was signed by 40 members of the UMP party and the New Centre party, which provides up to one year's imprisonment and a fine of 45,000 euros for those who deny the so-called 'Armenian genocide'. The Armenians and the Armenian lobby claim that the predecessor of Turkey - Ottoman Empire has carried out 'genocide' against Armenians living in Anatolia in 1915 and achieved recognition for these events as 'genocide' in the parliaments of several countries. Do you have any feedback? Contact our journalist at agency@trend.az