AZG Armenian Daily #096, 27/05/2005
Diaspora
CHIRAC’S LETTER TO FRENCH ARMENIANS ON THRESHOLD OF REFERENDUM
In a letter to the boar coordinating the work of Armenian organizations of
France President Jacques Chirac confirmed that France will hold a referendum
to find out whether Turkey should enter EU or not even if the latter
discharges all obligations.
Chirac noted, according to Associated Press, that he knows about Armenian
community’s will to put Armenian Genocide acknowledgement as precondition
for Turkey’s accession.
President Chirac’s letter should not be considered accidental against a
background of RA foreign minister arguing that “the “No” vote would result
in the decreased role and influence of France in Europe, which would in turn
damage Armenia’s interests, as France is a defender and a proponent of
further strengthening of ties with Armenia”.
Views of Yerevan and Paris coincide in issues of Turkey’s integration to EU
and Armenian Genocide. President Kocharian and Chirac laid a wreath to the
monument of Komitas on April 23 during Robert Kocharian’s Paris visit.
By Tatoul Hakobian