02-02-2012 12:06:21

Azeri lawmakers discuss French “Armenian genocide” law

The Azerbaijani Parliament at the first spring meeting session on Wednesday discussed the law criminalising the denial of the so-called "Armenian genocide" adopted recently by French Senate.

“Though Azerbaijan quite clearly demonstrated its position on this issue, some mass media outlets try to ignore it,” the MP from the ruling New Azerbaijan Party (NAP) Siyavush Novruzov said. He condemned these actions.

"There shouldn't be differences in this issue between power and opposition. All should make a common cause. The Azerbaijani state and Azerbaijani parliament will take steps in connection with this French law. We have always been with Turkey," Novruzov stressed.

Parliamentary chairman Oqtay Asadov supported him and said the support of Turkey is a heartfelt step.

"We have to wait and see what decision concerning the new law the French Constitutional Council will make. However we will take all the necessary steps after this happens as well," the chairman said.

Azerbaijani MPs repeatedly expressed their position on this issue, MP Ganira Pashayeva said.

"On the 20th anniversary of the Khojaly genocide committed by Armenians against Azerbaijanis it is necessary to send an address to Turkey so that it will officially recognise this genocide, "she suggested.

"It will be evidence of our brotherhood with Turkey and the world will see against whom in fact the genocide was committed. I believe the parliament of fraternal Turkey will positively meet and appreciate this suggestion. It's necessary to organise a rally in the centre of Istanbul under the slogan 'We are all Khojalians, we are all-Karabakhis!'," Ms Pashayeva stressed.

On Jan.23, after eight hours of discussion, the Senate (upper chamber of the French parliament) voted for adoption of the law criminalizing denial of the so called "Armenian genocide". Some 127 senators voted for, while 86 were against.

The bill demands about a year's imprisonment and a fine of 45,000 euros for denial of the so-called "Armenian genocide".

TAGS: Azerbaijani Parliament, French Senate, Siyavush Novruzov, Oqtay Asadov, Ganira Pashayeva, Khojaly genocide, Armenian genocide