Expert forecasts Turkey’s return to “football diplomacy”January 26, 2012 - 12:26 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - French Senate’s passing the bill penalizing genocide denial proved that the Armenian Genocide recognition process cannot be halted, according to Regional Studies Center director. As Richard Giragosian told a news conference in Yerevan, “Senate decision came as an utmost pressure on Turkey, with official Ankara’s response drawing the international community’s attention to the issue.” As the expert forecast, Turkey will return to “football diplomacy” earlier than expected in view of its weakened position over Genocide issue as well as no-win issues in the country’s foreign policy. “Turkey, however, would be advised remember: Armenia’s patience is all but unlimited – the country won’t always abide by “no preconditions” policy,” the expert concluded. On January 23, the French Senate passed the bill criminalizing the Armenian Genocide denial with 127 votes for and 86 against. To be signed into law within 14 days, the bill will 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. Top stories Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan took to social media to thank his Lithuanian counterpart for the contribution. President of the Armenian parliament Alen Simonyan met with the Speaker of the Azerbaijani Milli Majlis Sahiba Gafarova. Achieving stable peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan remains a priority of the OSCE, said Ian Borg. The Cabinet of Ministers decided on Thursday, November 9 to allocated AMD 120 million to arrange the gathering. Partner news | Concept to complete Yerevan Cascade discussed at city hall A conceptual proposal to complete the Cascade complex in downtown Yerevan has been presented by Jean-Michel Wilmotte. Pashinyan visits flood-hit region Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on Saturday, June 8 visited the disaster area in the Lori province. U.S. Assistant Secretary of State to travel to Armenia Assistant Secretary for European and Eurasian Affairs James C. O’Brien will travel to Yerevan on June 10-12. Power of One Dram to benefit Road of Life, Strong Mind IDBank and Idram summarize the results of the May program of “The Power of One Dram”. |