PRESS RELEASE
24 April Committee
For the recognition and commemoration of the Armenian Genocide of 1915
The 24 April Committee is an organ of the Federation of Armenian Organizations in The Netherlands (FAON)
Weesperstraat 91
2574 VS The Hague
The Netherlands
Contact: M. Hakhverdian
Tel: +31-704490209
E-mail: april24committee@wanadoo.nl
Web: http://24aprilcomite.ontheweb.nl/

Reasoning accompanying Article 305 of Turkish Penal Code adjusted

THE HAGUE, 10 November 2004 - In response to written questions of Member of Parliament Van Baalen (VVD) Minister Bot of foreign affairs of the Netherlands stated today that the explanation on Article 305 of the new Turkish Penal Code has been adapted.

The title of Article 305 is "Crimes against fundamental national interests". A document accompanying the Article as an explanatory memorandum or 'reasoning' is established by the parliament during the approval of the law. The 'reasoning' accompanying Article 305 provided as illustration of such offences the acceptance of compensations for propaganda for withdrawal of Turkish troops from Cyprus, and for claiming that in the aftermath of the World War I the Armenians were subjected to Genocide.

Minister Bot noted that the text of the 'reasoning' was not in line with the Charter of the Fundamental Rights of the EU and the European Convention on Human Rights of the Council of Europe. The 'reasoning' has been meanwhile adapted. This has happened, according to Mr. Bot, under pressure of several circles, among which Turkish politicians, lawyers and commentators. Also the EU frequently insisted to adapt the text. Mr. Bot believes that the question has been settled.

See the original text of answers to the writen questions in Dutch at:
http://www.minbuza.nl/default.asp?CMS_ITEM=EB17AD98C9C14AD8A22BB856CB1A16D1X3X38547X09