The Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia Aram I addressed a message to French President Nicolas Sarkozy, welcoming the firm position of French authorities in Armenian Genocide recognition issue.

Aram I also hailed the adoption of the bill penalizing Genocide denial, which confirmed the reputation of France as a champion of human rights.

In conclusion, the Catholicos urged the international community to condemn perpetrators of Genocide in order to prevent new crimes.

On December 22, French National Assembly passed the bill criminalizing the Armenian Genocide denial. The draft law envisages a year in jail and a fine of 45,000 euros for those who publicly deny the Armenian Genocide in France.