Armenians to Hold an EP Conference on Turkey
By Zaman

Zaman, Turkey
Sept 13 2005

Published: Tuesday, September 13, 2005
zaman.com

The European Armenian Federation with the support of the Christian
Democrats is organizing a “Conference on Turkey” in the European
Parliament (EP) on September 22.

Several important figures including former French Foreign Minister
Michel Barnier are expected to participate in the conference titled
“December 2004-October 2005: Has Turkey Changed?”

Under the auspices of the EP Vice-President Ingo Friedrich, the
conference aims to evaluate the reform process in Turkey and if the
country is ready or not for European Union membership negotiations,
which will start in 10 days time.

However, the fact that the conference is being organized by the
European Armenian Federation, well known with its views against
Turkey, increases the possibility that the meeting could turn into
an anti-Turkey platform.

Apart from Barnier, EP Socialist Group Chair Martin Schulz, EP French
member Jacques Toubon, also known for his views against Turkey,
Armenian Parliament Foreign Relations Committee Chair Armen Rustamyan,
EP Turkey Rapporteur Camiel Eurlings and Pierre Mirel from the European
Commission Directorate-General for EU Enlargement are expected to
take part in the conference.