Press Release Made by the Turkish Government on the So-Called Armenian Genocide Bill Adopted by the French National Assembly
January 18, 2001

The French National Assembly, despite all warnings, committed today a grave mistake in the face of history and humanity by adopting the draft bill on the so-called Armenian genocide.

The Turkish Government strongly condemns this decision of the French National Assembly in disregard of historical realities and one, that dares to accuse Turkey of the crime of genocide that has never been committed by Turkey. The Turkish Government rejects the bill with all its consequences. This bill, met with indignation of our nation, will cause substantial and permanent damage and may lead to a serious crisis in Turkish-French relations. This development will also have a negative impact on peace and stability in our region and on efforts toward that end. The responsibility for all these will rest with France.

The Turkish Government urges once again the French government to take action in order to render this bill ineffective.

The Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey to France has been recalled to Ankara for consultations.