PARIS. – French President Nikolas Sarkozy calls on Turkey to respect views of others.

His remarks came in response to Ankara’s statements regarding the bill criminalizing denial of the Armenian Genocide adopted by France, French website 20 Minutes reports quoting France-Presse agency.

“I respect views of our Turkish friends. It is a huge state, huge civilization. However, they should respect our views as well,” Sarkozy told journalists in Prague, where he attended the funeral of former Czech president Vaclav Havel.

France will not teach someone, and will not take lessons by others as well, Sarkozy stated.

Turkish PM Erdogan accused Sarkozy on Friday for speculating over hatred against Muslims and Turks adding that France perpetrated genocide in Algeria. 

“France does not ask permission. It has views and respects human rights and memory,” Sarkozy added.