RECENT FRENCH VOTE OUTLAWING DENIAL OF ARMENIAN GENOCIDE : AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH CANNOT BE BURIED FOREVER!!!!!

"DENIAL IS KILLING THEM TWICE" (Artist: Ruben Malayan)

CONTINUED DENIAL OF THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE IS A CONTINUATION OF THE CRIME ITSELF!!!!

THIS IS THE FACE OF TODAY'S GENOCIDE DENIERS: IGNORANCE, INTOLERANCE, ITRANSIGENCE

Amidst all the hysteria, hyperbole and handwringing regarding the passage of the bill outlawing the denial of the Armenian Genocide by France's National Assembly, we would just state the following:

1) Europe and Turkey will continue "Business As Usual" regardless of this legislation. In fact, Europe - Turkish cooperation started before the Armenian Genocide and has continued unabated since then. The Treaty of Lausanne conveniently ignored the genocide and the promises the Europeans had made to the Armenians, paving the way for a new era of Turkish-European economic and military cooperation. Turkish cries of threats and blockades regarding Europe and the E.U. over this bill are laughable and hollow bravado.

2) All those who argue that this legislation somehow restricts "Freedom of Speech" are really reaching for straws. If they wish to debate the historical reality of the Armenian Genocide let them bring their case to the appropriate forum. No one is preventing them from doing so!!

3) Regarding the argument that this legislation thwarts reconciliation between the Turkish state and its people, on the one hand, and Armenians on the other, we say, " Reconciliation can only begin with a recognition of historical reality - something the Turkish state and its propaganda machine have avoided for the past 90 years. " Unfortunately, it appears that Turkey has been dragged, kicking and screaming, to even merely recognize that the issue of the genocide exists till today.

4) Armenians are not "obsessed" with the recognition of the genocide as some commentators have blithely noted. Many argue that the events of 1915 should be "filed away" and treated as an unfortunate tragedy that took place in the distant past. Such a convenient treatment of the 20th century's first genocide and its aftermath is disgraceful and must not be tolerated. When Armenian Genocide deniers rear their ugly head, they must be countered and exposed as such.

5) The fallout over this issue continues to highlight the contradictions inherent regarding the politics of both Europe and Turkey. Chirac opens his mouth in Yerevan one day and the next day, back in Paris, he opines to the contrary. The European Union, speaks of advancing democracy and justice, but backs down when the defense of these issue seemingly threaten Turkey's accession talks. Turkey rants on and on about how "freedom of speech" in France has been dealt a blow with this legislation but conveniently ignores its own track record on the same topic. Such hypocrisy knows no bounds....

Amidst all the rhetoric and wrangling surrounding this issue, Armenians have precious little to lose. We continue to watch the unfolding of this latest episode in the political manipulation of the Armenian Genocide with a certain degree of remorse, but also of satisfaction. Turkey, France and the rest of Europe, only have themselves to blame for the current imbroglio. The 1915 Genocide remains an unresolved issue some 90 years later. Had Europe and Turkey seen fit to address this crime against humanity soon after it was committed, they would not find themselves in the predicament from which they are attempting to extricate themselves today.