"Armenian genocide" law is stain on French people's history

A law criminalising denial of the so-called "Armenian genocide" adopted by the French Senate contradicts freedom of speech and opinion, Turkish Ambassador to Azerbaijan Hulusi Kilic told journalists on Wednesday.

He said this law is the result of a game comprising a small group of politicians and does not comply with democratic principles in France. Therefore, adoption of such a law is a stain on the French people's history.

"We, as the Turkic world, condemn and take it as disrespect to us. France is not empowered to judge Turkey," Mr Kilic said. Turkey supports Azerbaijan's position as demonstrated and thanks the Azerbaijani people and authorities, he said.

After an eight-hour debate, the French Senate adopted the bill. Some 127 senators voted in favour, while 86 senators voted against on Jan. 23.


/Trend/