April 25, 2014 | 12:51
President of France Francois Hollande said he would participate in the events dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide in Yerevan next year.
Speaking at commemoration event on Thursday, Hollande stated readiness to continue working for international recognition of the Armenian Genocide during which 1.5 million people were killed, Le Nouvel Observateur reported.
“The only name of this tragedy is genocide. There is no other term,” Hollande said addressing thousands gathered in the center of Paris.
Asked to comment on the statement of Turkish PM Erdogan, Hollande noted progress in Turkish policy, but said it was not enough.
Earlier Turkish PM Recep Tayyip Erdogan has made his first message in connection with Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day.
“The 24th of April carries a particular significance for our Armenian citizens and for all Armenians around the world, and provides a valuable opportunity to share opinions freely on a historical matter,” said the Turkish prime minister. He offered condolences to the Armenians, but described the events as “shared pain”.