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PARIS - Turkish associations in France have criticized a French bill which aims to criminalize denial of so-called Armenian genocide on the grounds that "it is against freedom of expression" and "it will harm friendship between Turks and Armenians living in France."
Releasing a statement, the Union of Associations of Citizens of Turkish origin (RACORT) said that the mentioned bill would deepen the bluff between French citizens of Turkish and Armenian origin.
Recalling that Turkish and Armenian intellectuals started to discuss tragic incidents that had taken place in the past thanks to the process of democratization in Turkey, it stated that however a part of French politicians approached the matter "in a demagogical and self-seeking way".
On the other hand, COJEP --a Turkish nongovernmental organization based in Strasbourg-- issued a written statement noting that the bill was an offensive one for Turkish people living in France.
It stressed, "this bill will remove the ground for discussions aiming to enlighten the facts. Once again we are facing a bill which will end dialogues and restrict freedoms."