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British MEPs launch formal attack against French genocide law

3 British MEPs Michael Cashman (Labour), Richard Howitt (Labour) and Andrew Duff (Liberal Democrat) have joined forces to launch an official attack against the French National Assembly’s recent adoption of an amendment to a law which seeks to criminalise denial of the ‘Armenian genocide of 1915′.

The MEPs have tabled a written declaration (80/2006) in which they note their concerns regarding the content and context of the French law.

Speaking about the reasons for launching this initiative Michael Cashman said:

“It seems clear to me that this law has been drawn up simply for reasons of political expediency and it will be exploited by those who oppose Turkish entry into the EU in an attempt to stall accession negotiations.

This is a dangerous political tactic and an unwelcome addition to the serious issue of reaching agreement on EU enlargement” continued Michael.

“Our goal must be to help not hinder EU Turkey relations and this is why I’d encourage all MEPs to sign our written declaration”. concluded Michael

Richard Howitt MEP added:

“Turkey obviously has a long way to go before being ready to become a member of the EU. What politicians should be doing is encouraging Turkey to modernise, adapt and reform – not attempting to change the rules by throwing more obstacles in Turkey’s path.

When the EU has rightly been calling on Turkey to drop their Article 301 which restricts free speech, this action by the French National Assembly reeks of the worst kind of hypocrisy and provocation. That is why I co-signed this written declaration” continued Richard.

For his part Andrew Duff MEP said:

“This law contradicts the universal fundamental right to freedom of expression, a key value for all EU Member States and a value which, ironically, stems from the principles of the French Enlightenment”.

Such actions by a Member State government do nothing to assist on-going negotiations between the EU and Turkey nor do they improve relations between Turkey and Armenia.

It is for these reasons that I felt co-signing this written declaration was the best way for me as an MEP to express my feelings on this important European issue”.

The British MEPs are hoping the written declaration will gain signatures from a significant number of MEPs and provide a clear signal that not all of Europe, or even all of France, agree with the French Parliament’s position on this issue.

“I’d encourage all those who agree with our assessment of this important issue to contact their MEPs and ask them to sign our written declaration”. concluded Michael

WRITTEN DECLARATION

pursuant to Rule 116 of the Rules of Procedure

by Michael Cashman, Andrew Duff and Richard Howitt

on the French National Assembly’s adoption of a law criminalising denial of the ‘Armenian genocide of 1915’

Lapse date: 23.2.2007

0080/2006

Written declaration on the French National Assembly’s adoption of a law criminalising denial of the ‘Armenian genocide of 1915’

The European Parliament,

– having regard to the law adopted on 12 October 2006 by the French National Assembly known as ‘reconnaissance du génocide arménien de 1915’,

– having regard to the Council’s approval on 3 October 2005 of a framework for negotiations with Turkey on its accession to the EU,

– having regard to its resolution of 27 September 2006 on the progress of the Turkish accession negotiations,

– having regard to Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights,

– having regard to Article 11 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union,

– having regard to Rule 116 of its Rules of Procedure,

A. whereas the European Parliament does not believe that recognition by Turkey of the ‘Armenian genocide of 1915’ should be a precondition for EU membership,

1. Deplores the French National Assembly’s decision to adopt a draft law criminalising denial of the ‘Armenian genocide of 1915’;

2. Believes that such a law would contradict the universal fundamental right to freedom of expression, which stems from the principles of the French Enlightenment;

3. Fears that this action is entirely unhelpful to those in Turkey who are campaigning to ensure full respect for the freedom of opinion and expression, precisely at a time when the EU should be deepening its links with Turkey and encouraging more open and honest dialogue;

4. Does not find that this initiative is designed to improve relations between Turkey and Armenia;

5. Regrets that this law would set a dangerous precedent by criminalising the denial of an event that has not been officially recognised by all of the principal parties involved;

6. Calls on the French Senate to reject the draft law;

7. Instructs its President to forward this declaration, together with the names of the signatories, to the European Council, the European Commission, the French National Assembly and the French Government. 

http://www.abhaber.com/haber_sayfasi.asp?id=14633 

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