CHIRAC: I STRESSED NEED TO OPEN ARMENIAN-TURKISH BORDER MANY TIMES

PanARMENIAN.Net
28.09.2006 13:39 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ "I believe that the prospect of EU accession
is an important element for keeping Turkey on a way, linking that
country with the West, which Turkey chose itself," French President
Jacques Chirac stated in an interview to the Hayastani Hanrapetutyun
(Republic of Armenia) newspaper. In his words, the accession to EU
itself provides for necessary reforms.

"This is a long way. I am sure that seeing Turkey declined towards
European values, human rights, peace, democracy in interests of both
EU and Armenia," the French President said. He emphasized that he
had urged Turkey to open the border with Armenia many times.

"However, evidently the issue is closely related with solution of the
Karabakh conflict and progress in the Karabakh settlement may have huge
importance for solving that issue. I believe it is possible today,"
Chirac said. As of the Armenian Genocide the French leader said that
European values provides for working for reconciliation, peace and
respect. "I believe in Turkey’s ability to pay historical tribute,
as the spirit of Europe lies in that," Chirac underscored.