RA Diaspora Ministry is actively preparing for the commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, according to Diaspora Minister.

“Though many stand against Genocide recognition issue, there must be no disjuncture between Armenia and Diaspora regarding the problem,” Hranush Hakobyan said.

Minister Hakobyan further hailed coming debate of the bill penalizing genocide denial at French Senate on January 23.

“On February 23-25, Marseille is expected to host a conference with Armenian community representatives of Europe and Genocide committee heads participating to discuss the French expertise,” Minister stated, voicing hope for other states to follow France’s suit.

On December 22, 2011, French National Assembly passed a bill criminalizing public denial of the Armenian Genocide. If passed and signed into law by the Senate, the bill would impose a 45,000 euro fine and a year in prison for anyone in France who denies this crime against humanity committed by the Ottoman Empire.