New Genocide Denial Bill on Agenda in Netherlands

[imported_RUDO]

New Genocide Denial Bill on Agenda in Netherlands
By Anadolu News Agency (AA), Cihan News Agency, Hague,
Published: Friday, June 02, 2006
zaman.com


After the delay of the French bill to penalize the denial of the so-called Armenian genocide, a similar offer came from the Netherlands.

Prepared by the Christian Union (CU) party having three seats at the 150-seat Dutch parliament, the draft was presented to the assembly. The bid aims to criminalize denial of the so-called Armenian genocide.

Tineke Huizinga-Heringa, who submitted the motion, said the bill does not contradict the freedoms of thought and speech.

Huizinga-Heringa said they thought legal regulation was called for after certain developments were not initiated for the so-called Armenian Genocide and Jewish Holocaust, adding they expect support from other parties for the bid.

The Netherlands Armenian Federation and Dutch antiracism organization (LBR) supported the offer.

The Turkish community showed immediate reaction to the latest development by Dutch deputies.

Last year, the Danish Administration had attempted to prepare a law criminalize people and foundations who voice their ideas about neglecting, approving or rejecting terrorist actions.

The bill, which accepted genocide as a crime, did not mention the so-called Armenian Genocide explicitly. The government later abandoned this attempt.

[imported_RUDO]

'Enacting the So-called Genocide Law is Difficult'

'Enacting the So-called Genocide Law is Difficult'
By Cihan News Agency, Amsterdam
Sunday, June 04, 2006



Enacting the proposed law presented to the Dutch Parliament which criminalizes denial of the so-called Armenian genocide” is decidedly difficult.

Turkish origin Dutch parliamentarian, Fadime Orgu, considers that legislative proposal that upset Turks in the Netherlands will be delayed in the commission.

Orgu said the Armenian lobby seeking the support of the public opinion in various countries now tries to stir the Netherlands, “the country of tolerance”, and Turks in the Netherlands will not allow this to happen.

Liberal Party member Orgu pointed out the groundless and pointless draft was proposed by only three members of the Christian Union (CU) party at the 150-seat Dutch parliament and the proposal will be discussed first in the concerned commission.

Turkish Deputy said: “We will deal with the matter with our friends within and outside the party. We need to be calm, strategic and diplomatic. A huge responsibility has been entrusted to Turkish civil institutions, businessmen and the public.

If we strengthen our lobby, we can stop the draft in its initial stage.” Orgu said it will be very difficult to pass the draft even if it passes the commission.