Azernews.Az

A major Azerbaijani non-governmental organization has halted its long-standing cooperation with three French NGOs over the passage in the French Senate of a bill criminalizing denial of the alleged 1915 genocide of Armenians in Turkey.

The Youth Education Center formally notified the NGOs of its decision, saying that it could not arrange any student exchange with a country which has such an "unfair" and "illogical" law.

Moreover, over 250 Azerbaijani NGOs on Wednesday issued a joint statement condemning the French Senate’s decision. It says that the law is undemocratic, contrary to international law and a "black stain" in French history.

"This law not only defies Turkey and Azerbaijan, but is also a major threat to overall European values on human rights, freedom of expression and speech," the statement said.

The signatories urged international organizations to duly assess the French law while taking into account that it provokes hostility among nations in Europe.

A world famous Azerbaijani writer, Oscar-winning filmmaker and public figure, Rustam Ibrahimbayov, issued a statement saying he was turning down a French award.

France's upper house of parliament approved the bill criminalizing denial of the genocide of Armenians by a vote of 127 to 86 on Monday, sparking ire from Turkey and praise from Armenia.

The bill allows for a potential one-year prison sentence and a fine of up to 45,000 euros for those who deny that genocide took place. The bill, passed last month by France's lower house, the National Assembly, must now be signed by President Nicolas Sarkozy before it can become law.