POUDADE: TURKISH-FRENCH POLITICAL RELATIONS ARE DUSTY
Turkish Press
May 15 2006
ISTANBUL – “Turkish-French political relations are dusty. Does not
this happen in best families as well?” said French Ambassador in
Ankara Paul Poudade on Thursday.
Poudade was the guest speaker at a meeting, organized by Okan
University and Dunya newspaper, and titled “Great Projects Country
France”.
Poudade remarked that both Turkey and France are loyal to their
history, politics and republic.
“Turkish people know France very well. However, French people do not
know Turkey well. I was able to see Turkey better after I arrived in
this country,” stated Poudade.
Ambassador Poudade indicated that there is immense energy and dynamism
all across Turkey. “French companies have many successful investments
in Turkey,” noted Poudade.
According to Poudade, France does everything to support Turkey`s
bid to join the European Union. “Some French demands may make Turkey
uneasy. This is a situation that must be accepted in the EU process,”
expressed Poudade.
Poudade stressed that the EU will be strengthened with Turkey`s
membership. “There could be frictions in the EU process. There could
be differences of opinion. In the end, both sides will reach a point
of brightness and understanding,” commented Poudade.
Asked about punishment of individuals who reject the so-called Armenian
genocide, Poudade responded that this issue is a historical one which
should not be left to politicians.
In response to a question if French people love Armenians, Poudade
indicated that in some French cities there are large groups of
Armenians. “The current situation in France is due to political
reasons. The status quo is due to the upcoming elections,” said
Poudade.
“The Armenian resolution will be voted in the French parliament
and later at the Senate if it gets accepted in the parliament. This
process could be a long one. If the resolution gets accepted, this
would mean a ban on all discussions rejecting the Armenian genocide.
It would be unacceptable,” expressed Poudade.
Ambassador Poudade underlined that everything must be discussed
in democracies.