Armenian Ambassador to Switzerland, world-known chansonnier Charles Aznavour addressed a letter of thanks to French President Nicolas Sarkozy after National Assembly’s adoption of a bill penalizing Armenian Genocide denial.

“You repeatedly urged for Genocide condemnation, reminding that the freedom of speech excludes distortion of history or denial of historic truth.”

“Having officially recognized the Armenian Genocide, for over 10 years, France has been inspiring its 500000 Armenian-born citizens. Today, we're proud that the National Assembly recognized the bill penalizing Armenian Genocide denial,” the letter stressed.

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.