Assa-Irada, Azerbaijan
Dec 15 2004

France may impede Turkey’s admission to EU

French Foreign Minister Michel Barnier told a news conference on
Monday that if Turkey wants to be admitted to the European Union
(EU), it must recognize the `Armenian genocide’.
Armenian Foreign Minister Vardan Oskanian told local media last week
that Turkey will face pressures by several European countries if it
does not recognize the `Armenian genocide’.
`December 17 is the most convenient date for Turkey to recognize the
`Armenian genocide’. If Turkey is admitted to the EU without
recognizing the genocide, the recognition of the `Armenian genocide’
by this country in the future will be illusion,’ Oskanian
underlined.*