ARF Bureau member Murad Papazian
YEREVAN (Armenpress) — According to Co-chairman of the Coordination Council of Armenian Organizations of France, ARF Bureau member Murad Papazian, a new bill criminalizing the denial of the Armenian Genocide in France must stand on firm legal basis.
“As we know, the President of France Francois Hollande has confirmed that a new bill criminalizing the denial of the Armenian Genocide will be submitted to the parliament. President Hollande trusted former President of the European Court of Human Rights Jean-Paul Costa to prepare the bill. He is a perfect specialist and renowned lawyer. The bill is planned to be ready by April and the government will submit it to the parliament,” Papazian said, adding that it has been 10 years since they’ve been working on the issue.
“After the parliament discusses and confirms the bill, our enemies will for sure take the issue to the Constitutional Court as it happened in 2012. Therefore, firm legal grounds are necessary not to be annulled by the Court,” Papazian added.
In addition, he informed that consistent work is necessary to achieve success in Artsakh recognition process.
“We cannot say that Artsakh will be recognized this year, but at least we must reach some milestone, make a step forward,” said Papazian
He mentioned that the work of French parliamentarians with Artsakh is evident. “Visits to Artsakh were organized, and change in perceptions occurred after getting acquainted with the situation and problem on site. We are planning the visit of different groups to Artsakh this year as well,” Papazian added.
The next important issue for French-Armenians is support to Syrian Armenians. “The Syrian Armenians are in a difficult situation. Our support towards our compatriots is of top priority. The Armenian community in France will extend its support to assist Syrian Armenian community however they can”, Papazian said.
He added that currently, there is a very small amount of Syrian Armenians in France and those who have made it to France is mostly due to having relatives.
Source: Asbarez
Link: New Bill Criminalizing Genocide Denial in France to be Ready by April