Le Monde: Socialist MPs to vote for penalizing Armenian Genocide denial

December 21, 2011 - 17:01 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net - Despite Turkey’s threats, French National Assembly on December 22 will debate the bill penalizing denial of the Armenian Genocide.

France’s Minister for Relations with the Parliament, Mr. Patrick Ollier reiterated the decision to vote, while French Foreign Ministry warned Ankara against any retaliatory measures it may venture into, Le Monde reports.

Moreover, the Socialist group head at the National Assembly Jean-Marc Ayrault said his party is going to vote for the bill. As of possible recall of Turkish ambassador in France, Ayrault called on Ankara to consider the positive aspects of maintaining relations with France, particularly in the light of Syrian, Iranian issues and membership in the Mediterranean Union.

Since early December, Turkish authorities have threatened to sever ties with France in event the bill stipulating for a one-year prison sentence and 45,000 euro fine for denying the Armenian Genocide is approved by the National Assembly.