YEREVAN. – Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian on Wednesday issued a statement on the adoption of a genocide bill by the Hellenic Parliament.

“Armenia welcomes the adoption of the Bill on September 9th by the Hellenic Parliament, which criminalizes the denial of genocides, recognized by the National Assembly of Greece.

“The adoption of this Bill once again demonstrates adherence of Greece to the universal human values and is an important step towards the prevention of genocides and other heinous crimes against humanity,” the statement reads.

The Greek parliament on Tuesday passed a bill criminalizing the Armenian Genocide denial.

The bill provides for stricter punishment for individuals and political parties that engage in racism, or incite racist violence.

Accordingly, any attempt to disrespect the genocide of the Armenians, or the Greeks, shall be considered a crime.