Turkey should recognize historical events: French minister

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France's minister for European Affairs Jean Leonetti signs Croatia's EU accession treaty, on the sidelines of an European Union summit at the EU headquarters on December 9, 2011 in Brussels. AFP Photo

Turkey should recognize Armenian claims of genocide regarding the 1915 events, French EU Minister Jean Leonetti said.

Leonetti told the French Parliament’s TV channel that nations should be brave and open-minded looking at past events.
 

"This is all just about Turkey recognizing a historical event. Wouldn't great nations earn respect by being open minded about their pasts?" Leonetti stated.
 

He also said there was no possibility that the motion criminalizing the public denial of Armenian claims of genocide in 1915 could be brought up with an election agenda.
 
Leonetti further stated that the motion did not target Turkey directly