Pro-Armenian environment in France is result of community’s steady work – M. Papazian

YEREVAN, APRIL 20, ARMENPRESS. A pro-Armenian atmosphere exists in France. And it was expectable, because the Armenian community has carried out consistent work in the direction of the political field, Murad Papazian, co-chair of the coordinating council of France’s Armenian organizations and member of the ARF Bureau told ARMENPRESS.

“The Armenian community has done a serious work. Back during the debates on the bill criminalizing the denial of Armenian Genocide – both in the National Assembly and in the Senate the political forces voted for the text which we supported”, Papazyan said.

In terms of endorsing any presidential candidate, Papazyan mentioned in such case the figure must have had an exclusive contribution in the issues of the Armenian National Committee.

“Even if today the statements of the presidential candidates are positive, there is no individual who can be similar to Francois Hollande. He already had his great contribution, friendly relations were established with him. We requested to hold a discussion with the presidential candidates in order to have the confidence that it’s not only statements that are made. In order to endorse any candidate, we must have personal trust towards the given candidate”, he said.

The first stage of the French presidential election is set for April 23.

A commemorative event for the Armenian Genocide victims will be held on April 24 in Paris, which will be attended by President Francois Hollande. The presidential candidates are also invited.

“We’ll see who will pass to the second stage. If there will be any candidates on April 24 who will give speeches, who will personally give promises to the Armenian community, political and public figures, on Armenian issues, perhaps we will urge to vote in favor of a particular candidate in the second round”, he said.

French Presidential candidates Marine Le Pen, Francois Fillion and Benoit Hamon recently made pro-Armenian statements on various issues, including the int’l recognition of the Armenian Genocide and the peaceful settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict.