Turkish delegation holds talks in Paris

PARIS – Anatolia News Agency

Volkan Bozkır (3rd R) heads the delegation. AA photo

A Turkish Parliamentary delegation is holding talks in Paris in an attempt to prevent the passage of a proposed resolution criminalizing the rejection of Armenian genocide claims.

Delegation head Volkan Bozkır told reporters that the resolution was in violation of basic human rights and freedoms. 

"We are here to tell French officials about the negative effects the resolution would have on Turkish-French relations if it is enacted," Bozkır said. 

Trade volume between the two countries was close to 13.5 billion euros per year, Bozkır said, adding that French investments in Turkey had reached 6.5 billion euros and that nearly 2,000 French companies were doing business in Turkey.  

Bozkır also said 1 million French tourists visited Turkey every year. 

An “uneasy” period will begin in Turkish-French relations if the resolution is adopted, Bozkır said. Cooperation between the two countries, which has had a considerable effect on fostering peace and stability in the region and in the world, would be significantly harmed, he added.

The French parliament will decide on Dec. 22 whether to adopt the resolution, which calls for a one-year jail term and a 45,000-euro fine to anyone convicted of denying the genocide claims.