“GENOCIDE” LOOMS OVER TURKEY-FRANCE TRADE

The Media Line, NY
May 15 2006

French companies are pressuring lawmakers to vote against a bill they
fear will cause major commercial losses from future embargoes imposed
by Turkey.

The bill, if passed, will criminalize denial of the Armenian
genocide. It will carry a five year jail term and fine of $57,000.

Turkey denies killing 1.5 million Armenians between 1915-1917 during
the Ottoman Empire.

Instead, Turkish officials blame inter-ethnic strife and hardships
following World War One.

Helicopter manufacturer, EuroCopter, sent a strong warning to the
French government.

The company fears losing a contract to supply attack helicopters to
the Turkish military, according to the journal, Turkish Weekly.

Turkey recently recalled its ambassadors to France and Canada for
“consultations” over references to the issue.

Canadian Prime Minister, Stephen Harper, referred to the massacres as
“genocide,” further troubling Turkish officials.

Turkey has entered accession talks with the European Union. However,
continued denial of Armenian-genocide claims has generated much
criticism. This may become an obstacle during the talks and in
obtaining future EU membership.

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has threatened France
with trade sanctions should it adopt the bill, according to Turkish
newspaper Hurriyet.

The Turkish premier warned French members of parliament to be
“particularly sensitive” to possible sanctions, since France is
Turkey’s primary investor.

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