FRENCH AMBASSADOR: FRIENDSHIP BETWEEN TURKEY AND FRANCE MUST GO ON

Hurriyet, Turkey
May 10 2006

The French Ambassador to Ankara, Paul Poudade, has commented about
diplomatic tensions between Turkey and France in the run-up to the
May 18 debates in the French Parliament over a bill which proposes
jail time for people in France who publicly deny the Armenian genocide.

In a statement in reference to the fact that Osman Koruturk, the
Turkish Ambassador to Paris, has been called back to Ankara “for
consultations” in what is being viewed as a largely symbolic protest,
Ambassador Poudade said “France is an EU member. It would be in the
interests of Turkey to continue relations.” Speaking in advance of a
dinner being hosted for EU ambassadors in Ankara by Foreign Minister
Abdullah Gul, Poudade also said this about the call-back of Ambassador
Koruturk to Ankara:

“Koruturk was called back for consultations. I will be meeting with
him tomorrow (today). It is important that the friendship between
Turkey and France continue. The two countries have good economic
and political relations. We must not exaggerate this situation. I am
quite sure that the developments will be kept under control.”