National Assembly on March 19, with 17 votes in favor and no abstainer or against did not accept the bill criminalizing the genocide of Greeks of Pontos and Assyrians in Ottoman Empire, initiated by the Heritage party MPs in connection with amending the bill of National Holidays and Memorial Days. The NA Heritage' faction leader Stepan Safaryan stated that the bill stems from the Armenian national interests. “The adoption of this bill is more than human,” MP Safaryan announced. Galust Sahakyan, NA Republican Party leader argued that the bill had uncertain logic and it was not clear what was the benefit of Armenia to accept it, so the Republicans voted against the adoption. National Assembly Deputy Speaker Eduard Sharmazanov stated that the initiating of the bill was done for making appearances. “Genocide of Christians in Ottoman Empire is the same with the Armenian Genocide”. Sharmazanov deems that when we hail to recognize Armenian Genocide it includes recognition of other Christian nations genocides as well; whereas the recognition of Armenian Genocide is stipulated by the Constitution of Armenia .In this context Sharmaznov highlighted National Assembly call to the world to recognize Armenian Genocide;” “We are demand holders,” Sharmazanov stated.

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