Armenians in France have legal basis to protect their rights following adoption of the bill penalizing the Armenian Genocide denial, according to the head of Hay Dat French office.

“President of France will sign the draft law which will take effect in the nearest future,” Hrach Varzhapetian told PanARMENIAN.Net.

Dwelling on further development of French-Turkish ties, Varzhapetian forecast short-term freezing of bilateral relations, which, however, will not have grave consequences.

Asked about the impact of passage of the bill on Armenian-Turkish relations, Varzhapetian noted that Armenia proved its adherence to pledges and agreements by signing the protocols, whereas Turkey upheld completely non-constructive stance.

“It is time Armenia withdrew signature from Armenian-Turkish protocols,” he added.