France Uses “Armenian Card”: Barnier Mentions ‘Genocide’ Term Again

The Journal of Turkish Weekly
Dec 21 2004

France Foreign Minister Michel Barnier said that during the
negotiations between Turkey and the European Union (EU), they will
mention about all the subjects including “Armenian genocide”.

The French National Assembly will today discuss the EU decision
about Turkey. It is expected that Chirac will have fierce critics in
the session.

Barnier who had trouble in expressing the so-called “Armenian
genocide”, this time mentioned “genocide” definitely.

Barnier said in French RTL radio that, “The negotiations with Turkey
will take very long and will be very hard. The membership talks will
take 10-15 years and the French people will decide about it. With
a hope of an answer before the membership of Turkey, the Armenian
genocide will be on the table. I again say that, the way of membership
of Turkey is open but there is no guarantee for the result. There
will be some sorts of precautions, guarantees and limitations in the
entrance of Turkey to EU. There will be a campaign about the support
to Ankara telling to the people who has suspicions about the membership
of Turkey. ”

The French National Assembly will discuss the Turkey Decision made
in the EU summit. Even though a big percentage of the French people
reject the membership or Turkey to EU, it is seen that they are also
tolerant about the moves of Chirac on the membership of Turkey.

There is a strong Armenian diaspora in France and the Armenian votes
are seriously important for French politicians. The French Government
avoided using of ‘genocide’ term three days before December, 17
Summit. Turkey-sceptics in France use the ‘Armenian card’ in order
to prevent Turkey’s EU membership.

Source: JTW and Hurriyet