ANTELIAS, Lebanon - His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the See of Cilicia, in a message to the President of the French Senate, thanked the Senate for formally acknowledging the Armenian Genocide.

His Holiness, in his message, noted that by recognizing the first genocide of the 20th century, the French Senate reflected the collective resolve of the French people to prevent new genocide by recognizing previous such events.

"The See of Cilicia," wrote His Holiness, "as the victim of such massacres and deportation, present our heartfelt the bold action of the French Senate and warmly congratulate you for this move, which we are certain will further improve the centuries-old friendship between the French and Armenian people."