YEREVAN, JULY 1, ARMENPRESS.  The French National Assembly has unanimously voted in favor of the bill criminalizing the denial of the Armenian Genocide, submitted to the National Assembly by the French Government, chairman of the Coordination Council of Armenian Organizations of France Murad Papazian told “Armenpress”. “The MPs of the French National Assembly unanimously voted in favor of the bill submitted by the Government which offers to criminalize the denial of the Armenian Genocide. The bill will be discussed at the Senate and after being confirmed, will be submitted back to the National Assembly for reconfirmation”, Papazian said, adding that all the 21 MPs have voted in favor of the bill. 

The French Government and the lawyers of French-Armenian organizations prepared the text of the bill criminalizing the Armenian Genocide which goes in line with the French Constitution and is acceptable for the Armenian community. The text of the bill “Criminalizing the denial of genocides and crimes against humanity” was published on June 29 and envisages imprisonment of one year or a fine amounting 45.000 euros for the denial of the Armenian Genocide.

Papazian added that now the Armenian community has much to do so that the bill is confirmed by the Senate as well, noting that naturally, Turkey will spare no efforts during this period to prevent the bill from being confirmed by the Senate. “Indeed, Turkey could not expect that the National Assembly would take such a decision in such a speedy way. They tried to exert pressure on the Government and demanded President Hollande to withdraw the bill, but it did not happen and I have no doubts that we will win”, Papazian said.

Papazian also mentioned that the Armenian and Rwandan Genocides are mentioned in the bill as examples of genocide.