President of Armenia urges Armenians of France return to Homeland

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 8, ARMENPRESS:

Within the framework of the visit to Marseilles President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan was hosted at the Marseilles City Hall where he met with the representatives of the local Armenian community. Citing Nouvelles d'Armenie, Armenpress reports that Serzh Sargsyan was welcomed by Mayor of Marseilles Jean-Claude Gaudin who noted that he has big ties in Yerevan and the Armenian community has great contribution in it.

Referring to the bill penalizing the denial of the Armenian Genocide, Mayor of Marseilles noted that the time has come for the bill to be approved and that on May 4 the French Senators made a wrong decision not approving the bill. Jean-Claude Gaudin handed to the President of Armenia Memorial Medal of Marseilles.

Welcoming the present, Serzh Sargsyan noted that he is happy being in Marseilles: "it is a town where Armenians feel at home."

Stressing the permanent assistance by the President of France Nikolas Sarkozy to Armenia, RA President reminded that this year the President of France visited Armenia and made very important statements about the recognition of the Armenian Genocide.

Addressing the representatives of the Armenian community, the Armenian President noted that they are very dynamic and initiative. "Return back to Armenia, there you will be at home. It is difficult for me to utter the word "Diaspora Armenian". I do not differentiate between Diaspora Armenians and Armenians of Armenia, there are just Armenians for me," Serzh Sargsyan said.

The President of Armenia also referred to the Armenian Genocide issue, noting that Turkey must review its history and recognize the Armenian Genocide. "Armenia's position in this issue remains unchanged," the President said.