Armenian Genocide Not Only Historical Fact, but Also Legal Notion
History is not the historian's manor. The Armenian Genocide is not only a historical fact but also a legal notion that is defined in the French Criminal Code," Patrick Devedjian, an MP representing the Union for Popular Movement and Adviser of Interior Minister Nicolas Sarkozy, told Le Figaro. In his words, the parliament is entitled to deal with legal issues. "Nevertheless, I stand for free historic debates. The issue that we discuss today is the shameful Turkish denialism in France. The legislative power's interference is necessary to avoid clashes between communities," he remarked.
The foreign minister was the government's representative and he explained that "Turkey should not be distressed by adopting this bill", Devedjian underscored. "I am astonished over his arguments on trade relations, which is not only immoral but also wrong. Should I say that around 1.5 million people fell victim to the Armenian Genocide? Besides, the market economy is not subject to Ankara's orders. In 2001 the French Parliament adopted a law, recognizing the Armenian Genocide. Turkey threatened with sanctions. But the next year our export to Turkey rose by 32 percent," Devedjian said, the Azg newspaper writes.
The foreign minister was the government's representative and he explained that "Turkey should not be distressed by adopting this bill", Devedjian underscored. "I am astonished over his arguments on trade relations, which is not only immoral but also wrong. Should I say that around 1.5 million people fell victim to the Armenian Genocide? Besides, the market economy is not subject to Ankara's orders. In 2001 the French Parliament adopted a law, recognizing the Armenian Genocide. Turkey threatened with sanctions. But the next year our export to Turkey rose by 32 percent," Devedjian said, the Azg newspaper writes.
