The Journal of Turkish Weekly
2005-02-04 08:34:37

Debre: Armenian Issue is not France’s Problem

Speaker of the French National Parliament Jean-Louis Debre discussed
Turkey’s European Union (EU) membership bid just before his Turkey
visit begins today. Debre responded to a question about whether the Armenian
issue was a problem in the development of Turkey-France
relations:

“Let’s be honest. First of all, the Armenian problem is not an issue
concerning Turkey-France relations. It is rather about Turkey-Armenia
relations and Turkey’s own history in particular.”

The EU that Turkey wants to join was the built by confronting public and
state history, Debre said, and they believe that Turkey would
understand this and its part of the European project. The French Speaker
also added that it is about “overcoming the conflicts to
build a peaceful unity, respecting human rights, paying attention to the
responsibility to remember, and making peace with one’s own
history.” Meanwhile, the French Parliament approved the so-called genocide
bill in 2001, which led to a long break in Turkey-France
relations.

The French delegation will hold meetings in Istanbul and Ankara during their
visit which was realized with the support of French President Jacques
Chirac. The delegation will meet with Turkish President Ahmet Necdet Sezer,
Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Speaker of the Turkish Parliament
Bulent Arinc and Chief of the
General Stuff Hilmi Ozkok. The parliamentary delegation will also meet with
representatives of the Turkey Industrialists and Businessmen Association
(TUSIAD) and visit Galatasaray University in Istanbul on Saturday (February
5).

There is a strong Armenian lobbying group in France and makes effort to
shift French policies towards Turkey. The Armenian diaspora organizations
organize campaigns in order to undermine Turkey’s EU membership.

Source: Zaman and JTW, 4 February 2005

Turkey France and Armenian Issue
2005-02-04 08:34:37