Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, commenting on the French bill for prosecuting deniers of the Armenian Genocide, said that the state is ready to face history. He noted that France has a big challenge. Ankara has already passed the first sanctions against France, further steps will depend on Paris.
Turkish Prime Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that French President Nicolas Sarkozy is against Turks and Muslims, pointing out the genocide of Algerians by France. The initiative is for the sake of Sarkozy’s electoral campaign, he believes.
The French parliament held votes on the bill for prosecution for non-recognition of the Armenian Genocide. Out of 577 MPs, 45 were present, with 38 voting for the bill. Denial will be punished with imprisonment or a fine of 45,000 euros. Turkey has frozen diplomatic relations with France.
