On January 28, the annual dinner of the Coordination Council of Armenian Organizations of France was held in Paris. Speaking at the event, French President Hollande said that they are revising the genocide denial law.
Along with Hollande, Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo, Armenian envoy before Switzerland and artist Charles Aznavour, Armenian envoy in France Vicken Tchitechian, famous Armenian politician Patrick Devedjian, academic Marc Moogalian and the representatives of various NGOs attended the dinner event.
Speaking at the event, Hollande said that the genocide denial law will be put on the agenda again after the revision process is completed. He also stated that former ECHR chief judge Jean Paul Costa will assist them in the preparation of the law.
Hollande said: “Costa is one of the best legal experts in our country. I think that his text would stop all possible speculations. I know that the rejection of the draft that was prepared in 2012 caused frustration. New law should be in accordance with the constitution, since another rejection would be a defeat for France and amount to the denial of the genocide.”
“We are ready for acting as a negotiator between Armenia and Turkey”
French President also stated that they are more than ready to initiate the development of the relationship between Armenia and Turkey.
Murad Papazyan, head of the organization committee, said that they are proud of Hollande who supported Armenia in 2015 and that 500.000 Armenian citizens in France will support him in 2016.
Courage award to Human Rights Foundation (İHD)
İHD received the courage award, which is given every year by the Council. Receiving the award on behalf of the foundation, Meral Çıldır said that this award will encourage them to continue their struggle for defending human rights.”
