TURKISH FM CAUTIONS OVER POSSIBLE RIFT DURING FRENCH ‘YEAR OF ARMENIA’
Today.Az
13 September 2006 [20:14] – Today.Az
Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul’s visit to France to take part
in an intercultural dialog meeting coincides with the inauguration
of France’s "Year of Armenia."
Noting that Turkey would not intervene in France’s relations with third
parties, Gul said that the Armenian issue would not harm bilateral
relations between Turkey and France, which have significantly improved
recently. In a press conference held in Paris, Gul, who first recalled
that more than 400,000 Turks live in France, said both France and
Turkey should take precautionary measures to prevent possible rifts
between the country’s Armenian and Turkish communities. Stressing
that Turkey’s E.U. membership bid had been used as a propaganda tool
in French domestic politics, Gul stated they respected pluralistic
democracy. To this end, Gul said, "Democracy has both weaknesses and
strengths; this is natural."
Gul also said Turkey would initiate a comprehensive campaign in a
few months to convince the French public, which has been opposed
to Turkey’s E.U. membership, to accept Turkey. Stating that Turkey
attached great importance to its relations with France, Gul said:
"The views of France have been very important throughout Turkey’s
venture toward full membership. Turkey would have never begun
negotiation talks with the E.U. if French President Jacques Chirac
had not offered his support on Dec. 17."
In response to a comment over France’s demand for a military base in
Cyprus, Gul noted with regard to the Cyprus issue that every country
should consider international treaties, adding: "France has interests,
and so does Turkey. When these are taken into account, common sense
will prevail."
Meanwhile, at a press conference held at the French foreign ministry,
the country’s foreign minister responded harshly to an Armenian
reporter who asked whether it was a contradiction for France
to organize the "Year of Armenia" in France as Turkey prepared
celebrations for the "Year of France." The French foreign minister
replied, "Cultural and political affairs should never be confused
with each other."
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
