French MPs Disagree on Armenian Genocide Issue

French National Assembly President Jean-Louis Debre is opposed to the bill that would penalize those who deny the Armenian Genocide. Chairmen from both the ruling party and the opposition Socialist Part (PS) have opposed the bill prepared by the PS; and although it was rejected by the Regulations Commission Wednesday, the legislative proposal will be discussed at the General Assembly on May 18. Debre said they continuously remind the parties involved that history cannot be written with laws. “It is just an offer for now,” he added. Jean Marc Ayrault, PS parliamentary group chairman, does not hide his concerns either. Ayrault warning the legislative offer will be “a source of chaos and difficulty,” stressed the offer came to the agenda as “a result of big pressure from the party.” PS Secretary-General Francois Hollande maintained politicians have the right to speak on historical issues and supported the bill. Hollande claimed the acceptance of the genocide is a pre-condition for Turkey’s membership to the European Union. If the bill is approved, denial of the Armenian Genocide would result in a fine of €45,000 and up to five years imprisonment, reported Zaman Turkish daily.