ARMENIANS TO HOLD AN EP CONFERENCE ON TURKEY

ARMINFO News Agency
September 22, 2005

YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 22. ARMINFO. 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.