Update: Armenian Genocide bill circulating in Dutch parliamentFebruary 16, 2018 - 11:36 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Two motions regarding the Armenian Genocide of 1915 are circulating in the Tweede Kamer, the lower house of Dutch parliament. Earlier reports suggested that the parliament has already approved the bills but the voting is scheduled to take place in spring. One states that the Tweede Kamer "recognizes the Armenian Genocide", the other that a Dutch Minister or State Secretary should attend the commemoration of Genocide in Armenia in April, NL Times reports citing ANP. This decision is expected to further sour the relationship between Turkey and the Netherlands. Both motions were submitted by ChristenUnie parliamentarian Joel Voordewind. All four coalition parties seem to be supporting the motions. So far the Netherlands never officially recognized the Genocide, always speaking of the "issue of the Armenian genocide". But a majority in parliament believes it is time for the situation to change. "We can not deny history out of fear of sanctions. Our country houses the capital of international law after all, so we must not be afraid to do the right thing here too", Voordewind said. The relationship between the Netherlands and Turkey is already tense, since the Netherlands refused Turkish ministers access to the country to campaign for a referendum that gave president Recep Tayyip Erdogan more power. Recently talks to repair relations broke down, and the Netherlands officially recalled the Dutch ambassador to Turkey. Some three dozen countries, hundreds of local government bodies and international organizations have so far recognized the killings of 1.5 million Armenians in the Ottoman Empire as Genocide. Turkey denies to this day. Top stories Six total incidents have burned 19 old-growth trees. Friday night 8 trees were torched along the beautiful main entrance. The EU does not intend to conduct military exercises with Armenia, Lead Spokesperson for EU Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Peter Stano says. Hikmet Hajiyev has said that there is no place for USAID operation in Azerbaijan any longer. A telephone conversation between Putin and Pashinyan before the CSTO summit is not planned, Peskov says. Partner news | Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. Armenia, Russia discuss life extension of Metsamor nuclear plant Issues regarding the extension of life of the 2nd power unit of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant were discussed in Yerevan. Armenians stage more campaigns against territorial concessions to Azerbaijan Protesters blocked more roads across Armenia on Friday, April 26 in continuing attempts to scuttle territorial concessions to Azerbaijan. Czech-Armenian military cooperation discussed in Yerevan A delegation led by the Director General for the Industrial Cooperation Division of the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic visited Armenia. |