On Monday, January 23, 2012, French Senate approved a bill criminalizing denial of the Armenian Genocide. The lower house of French Parliament passed the bill last month.
On behalf of our Prelacy, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, sent a letter to Consul General David Martinon of the French Consulate in Los Angeles, saluting the bold decision by the French Parliament and expressing gratitude to the members of Parliament.
“We are overjoyed and deeply moved by this decision by the French Parliament and highly commend the overwhelming number of members who courageously stayed true to their principles and voted in support of this crucial bill despite threats of sanction by Turkey. The passage of this bill is a triumph not only for the Armenian people but for all victims of Genocide, for it sends a message that human rights and justice will not be ignored. We anxiously look forward to the coming weeks and for President Nicolas Sarkozy to sign the bill into law, and are hopeful that other nations will soon follow in the footsteps of the French Parliament and together we can put an end to Turkey’s relentless campaign of denial.
President Sarkozy, the French government, and citizens have been one of our greatest supporters and friends, and for that we are ever grateful.
Please convey our appreciation and praise to President Sarkozy for his personal support of and commitment to the bill, and to the members of the French Parliament for their noble decision,” stated the Prelate.
