May 21, 2007 - 14:42 AMT
Ethnic Armenian appointed France's Secretary of State for relations with Parliament
Ethnic Armenian Roger Karoutchi was appointed France's Secretary of State for relations with Parliament.

French independent journalist Jean Eckian told PanARMENIAN.Net that Roger Karoutchi, born in Casablanca (Morocco) in 1951, started his political career in 1977. Since 1999 he has been a member of the French Senate. Mr Karoutchi, being resolutely against Turkey's accession to the European Union, urges Turkey to recognize the Armenian Genocide.

Former Industry Minister of France Patrick Devedjian will assume the post of Secretary General of the ruling UMP party. This post was vacant after former UMP leader Nicolas Sarkozy was elected France's new President. At the meeting with Devedjian on May 17 Sarkozy noted that charges him with the job of the party leader and thus puts a great responsibility on Devedjian. Sarkozy also wished the ex-Minister of Industry to take his new responsibilities as soon as possible.

May 18 the newly elected French President formed the new government, which includes 15 ministers. Seven ministers are women. Particularly ex-Defense Minister Michele Alliot-Marie is appointed Minister of Interior and Overseas Territories. Rachida Dati is appointed Justice Minister. Socialist Bernard Kouchner received the portfolio of Foreign Minister. Herve Morin became the Defense Minister.