DUSHANBE, February 29, Asia-Plus – Press release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkey says the Constitutional Council of France on February 28 annulled the draft law concerning the “criminalization of the denial of the genocides recognized by law” on the grounds of unconstitutionality.

“The law in question was a one-sided initiative aiming to prohibit any challenge of the Armenian views concerning a painful period in Turkish and Armenian common history.

“We consider the annulment of the law as a step in line with freedom of expression and research, rule of law and the principles of international law and against the politicization of history in France.

“We are glad to note that a grave error was corrected by the most competent judicial authority in France.

“It is preferable that, on controversial historical issues, third countries adopt an impartial approach encouraging dialogue and resolution between the concerned parties, rather than make imprudent and prejudicial interventions.

“We hope that, from now on, France will adopt a constructive approach so that this controversy between Turkey and Armenia is addressed on a just and scholarly basis and she will provide contributions supporting the resolution of the issue, rather than deepening it. Such an approach will contribute to the development of the Turkish-French relationship in the direction it deserves and in all fields.”