Your trusted source

French Secretary of State for Development and Franciphonie Annick Girardin visited today the Tsitsernakaberd Memorial Complex to the Armenian Genocide victims in Yerevan.

She laid flowers at Eternal Flame of the Tsitsernakaberd Memorial.

After touring the Genocide Museum, she told reporters she brought an Armenian-French friendship message to Armenia. 

“I am shocked and moved. We have always stood and will stand by Armenia. Today we are witnessing heinous crimes committed in different parts of the world. It is our duty to stand by those people,” the French secretary of state said.

Speaking about the current phase of the bill criminalizing the Armenian Genocide denial, Annick Girardin reminded those present that France recognized the Armenian Genocide, two visits at the presidential level have taken place, and France participated in the commemorative events in Yerevan on the 100th anniversary of the Genocide. In her words, debates are now underway in both the Senate and the National Assembly (the lower house).

Annick Girardin added that the Armenian Genocide issue was also discussed in the International Organization of La Francophonie whose president condemned the Genocide.

“Naturally our organization acknowledges the fact, but it should be admitted that it is a page in the history that needs to be turned. We are here to take an active part in various spheres of Armenia such as economy, tourism, and education so that Armenian youths will be able to use their knowledge effectively for their country’s development,” A. Girardin said.