Turkish Ex-President: France Won't Wish to Offend Important Friend like TurkeyOctober 16, 2006 - 17:26 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The adoption of the bill penalizing the Armenian Genocide denial in France is a "great shame", Turkish ex-President Suleyman Demirel said. "This is France's erroneous opinion about Turkey and Turkish nation. I sharply condemn this bill and do not believe that it will be approved by the Senate and signed by the President. France will not wish to offend an important friend like Turkey but the decision by the French parliament deserves reproach. We were offended," he said adding that the "issue demanded reaction." "This is an international issue and Turkey has expressed its position. Our country is unanimous. Our citizens protested against the French parliament's decision. Our people will never forget it," he said, reports APA news agency. Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". Partner news | Lemkin Institute urges Armenia to respect people’s right to dissent The Lemkin Institute has urged the Armenian government to respect people’s fundamental human right to express their dissent. Iran’s Red Crescent sends aid to Armenia’s flood-hit regions The Iranian Red Crescent Society has sent humanitarian aid to the victims of deadly floods that hit northern Armenia on May 25-26. Putin congratulates Pashinyan’s birthday Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on his birthday on June 1. Opposition motorcade en route to Gyumri for large rally A motorcade of protesters headed by Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan is heading to the city of Gyumri. |