Paris January 15, 2015
The French Bureau of the Armenian Cause welcomes the clarification made by the Ambassador of France to the United States.
Following the campaign launched jointly by the ANCA in the United States and the BFCA in France in response to the words uttered on MSNBC 12 January 2015 by the Ambassador of France to the United States, it was keen to convey the January 14, 2015, a message to the President of the NAFC Ken Hachikian. In his message the ambassador Gerard Araud said:
“I am aware that my recent statements were misinterpreted giving legitimacy to the denial of the Armenian genocide. Far from me the idea. Not only France has officially recognized the Armenian Genocide but I myself was raised in a city, Marseille, with a vibrant Armenian community where I have many friends. I have always been personally convinced that the suffering of Armenians in the Ottoman Empire constituted the first genocide in modern history. I hope this message will dispel any doubts you may have on this subject. »
The French Bureau of the Armenian Cause welcomes the clarification made by the Ambassador of France to the United States, Gerard Araud, which is consistent with the position always expressed by France. This adjustment clear and rapid development closes the misunderstanding that could have been used by opponents of the Armenian Cause in both the United States and France.
“In this year of commemoration of the centenary of the Armenian genocide, it was important that France, Armenia, the Armenian people ahead with one voice to bring the issue of the Armenian genocide, its negation and even repair” has said the director of the BFCA Harout Mardirossian. “We are pleased by the response of the Ambassador Araud also shows how much the international dimension is now essential for the Armenian Cause,” concluded the Director of the BFCA.
Press release of the Armenian National Committee of America.
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release January 15, 2015 Contact: Elizabeth S. Chouldjian Tel: (202) 775-1918
FRENCH AMBASSADOR TO THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE US CLARIFIED COMMENT ON MSNBC ANCA WITH LEADERS
Washington, DC – The Ambassador of France to the United States HAS Clarified, to leaders of the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA), he made remarks Earlier this week on the show MSNBC Andrea Mitchell Reports That Could-have-been Misinterpreted have to Giving Legitimacy the denial of the Armenian Genocide.
In a communication to ANCA Chairman Ken Hachikian National and ANCA National Board member Raffi Hamparian, Ambassador Gerard Araud Affirmed the fact That France HAS officiellement the reconnu The Armenian Genocide and his personal conviction que la The Armenian Genocide constituted the first genocide in modern history.
“I am aware That Reviews some of my recent statements-have-been Misinterpreted as Giving Legitimacy to the denial of the Armenian Genocide,” Amb. Araud Told the ANCA. “Nothing Could further Top from me. Not only France Does Recognize The Armenian Genocide officiellement the goal I have-been bred myself in a city – Marseilles – with a vibrant Armenian community Where I had a lot of friends. Personally I have always beens Convinced que la Sufferings Inflicted to the Armenians in the Ottoman Empire constituted the first genocide in the modern history. I hope this post Will dispel Any doubt That You Could Have on this topic. “
Prior to Becoming The Ambassador of France to the United States, Araud served as the Permanent Representative of France to the Security Council and Head of the Permanent Mission of France to the United Nations. He served as the President of the Security Council in February 2010, May 2011, August 2012 and December 2013.
“We welcome Ambassador Araud clarification de son’s comments Regarding the Armenian Genocide,” remarked ANCA Communications Director Elizabeth Chouldjian. “Under President Francois Hollande and previous leaders, France has-been a forceful and effective advocate in the global campaign to end Turkey’s denial of the Armenian Genocide. In this year of the The Armenian Genocide centennial, Their vigilance and active leadership is all the more critical in the pursuit of justice for this crime. “
The controversy over Ambassador Araud’s comments on the Armenian Genocide Motions over an appearance he made on the Andrea Mitchell Reports show on MSNBC on January 12, 2015. On That show, host Andrea Mitchell Began to talk about free speech in qui she remarked, “The tradition of free speech … it all began in France DURING THE 1700’s and 18th century. Purpose There Are Laws in France, Laws That say you can not deny the Holocaust, Laws That say you can not deny the Armenian Genocide. So why is it permissible to Be as provocative thesis as anti-Muslim cartoons Were. This is a Debate HAVING journalistically we are here in the United States as well, “Mitchell Added.
In response to Andrea Mitchell’s question, Ambassador Araud Stated: “Actually, on the Armenian Genocide There Is No law about the denial of the Armenian Genocide. There is only one law about the denial of the Holocaust. Because it is not an opinion. The Holocaust eu lieu le. So, you know, you do not express an opinion When you say the Holocaust About did not take up. It is a fact. “
Moments After Ambassador Araud’s comments, the social media pages Erupted with ANCA Concerns and calls from Armenian Americans and Elected Officials alike, Demanding a clarification. Similar Concerns Were shared by the French Armenian community, prompting a strongly Worded letter by the French Bureau of the Cause Armenienne (BFCA – ANC France) to French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius ask asking for an immediate explanation. The text of the letter BFCA (in French) is attached.
France officiellement reconnu the Armenian Genocide in 2001 with the adoption of Law 2001-70. Last year, on April 24th, President Francois Hollande joined the French Armenian community’s commemoration in Paris, Offering Powerful remarks condemning this crime and calling for the end of Turkey’s denial. President Hollande Will Be traveling to Armenia on April 24th 2015 to Participate in Genocide centennial activities.
Jean Eckian © armenews.com