BRUSSELS - EU commissioner for enlargement Olli Rehn criticised the draft legislation on the so called Armenian Genocide in French Parliament and pointed out to the possible harm that will be caused by steps taken to that end.
Expressing his views to the press, Rehn said ''while the draft in question was French parliament's problem, it may however would lead to serious problems in EU-Turkey relations''.
Rehn said he is worried about the possibility of adoption of the draft legislation punishing those who didn't acknowledge the so called Armenian genocide, and said such a development would harm the dialogue between Turkey and EU.
Rehn also warned that if the draft was to be put to vote it would block all the debate about the Armenian issue and would jeopardise the steps taken towards freedom of thought in Turkey.
Rehn, in his remarks, also referred to his recent visit to Turkey and pointed out that the Turkish public believe what France was trying to do was in complete opposition with France's approach to freedom of thought in Turkey and France itself was harming freedom of expression.
Rehn called on the French MPs to fulfill their responsibilities and said "I'm asking French parliamentarians to consider the possible consequences of this draft. Our aim is to deal with this problem within a serious framework of discussion. I believe French parliamentarians will act responsibly".