EUROPEAN COMMISSIONER OPPOSES CHIRAC’S ‘GENOCIDE’ CONDITION FOR TURKEY
The New Anatolian, Turkey
Oct 3 2006
A European Commissioner and former Belgian foreign minister late Sunday
opposed the French president’s statements in which he stressed that
recognition of the Armenian genocide claims should be a precondition
to Turkey’s European Union membership.
Commisioner responsible for Development and Humanitarian Aid, Louis
Michel, stated that no new conditions for Turkey’s membership in the
Union can be brought in.
Michel, one of those to vote on the EU’s progress report on Turkey that
will be announced on Nov. 8, indirectly criticized French President
Jacques Chirac’s remarks on recognition of the genocide claims, saying,
"There are some people who want to change the rules of the game during
the game."
"Turkey’s membership in the EU is very important. It is enough to
look at the intersection points of energy lines to understand it,"
Michel said.
Stressing that the Union needs Turkey more than Turkey needs the EU,
Michel stressed that Turkey has played a key role in world crises in
Iraq, Iran and the Middle East.
Commenting on Chirac’s statements in Yerevan, French daily Le Figaro
described on Monday his remarks as "more useful" than the possible
approval of the Armenian bill, which introduces prison terms and fines
to those who question the genocide claims, by the French Parliament.
The Armenian bill, introducing prison terms of up to one year and
fines of up to 45,000 euros for those who question the Armenian
genocide claims, was brought to the French Parliament floor again
by the Socialist Party (PS) again last week and will be redebated
on Oct. 12. The same bill was previously brought to the Parliament’s
floor in May but due to time constraints debates on it were postponed
indefinitely.
The daily also commented that Chirac’s example, drawing a similarity
between Turkey’s recognition of the Armenian genocide claims and
Germany’s recognition of the Jewish holocaust, would draw criticism.
The daily went on to claim that Chirac made the remarks not to change
the Copenhagen criteria but to define some of the EU’s values.
French President Jacques Chirac, during a strategic visit to Armenia,
called on Turkey on Saturday to "recognize its past" in connection
with the Armenians in the early 20th century and acknowledge the
genocide claims.
"Should Turkey recognize the Armenian ‘genocide’ to join the EU?"
Chirac asked, echoing a question posed by a reporter at a joint news
conference with Armenian President Robert Kocharian. "Honestly,
I believe so. Each country grows by acknowledging its past dramas
and errors."
Chirac continues to flatter Armenians
Following his push for Turkish recognition of the genocide claims,
Chirac again flattered the Armenians on Sunday by claiming that Mt.
Ararat — in Turkey — is in Armenia and was the final resting place
of Noah’s Ark.
Speaking during an opening ceremony for the Square of France in
Yerevan, Chirac said, "With great excitement I familiarize myself
with the Armenian land. I am excited, since this is the first visit
of a French leader to the cradle of civilization. They say Mt. Ararat
became the haven for Noah’s Ark after the deluge. I am excited to
think about the antiquity of the ties that unite us since the time
when King of Jerusalem Boudouin I of Boulogne married Armenian Princess
Ardai after the death of Armenia’s last King Levon VI Lusinian."
Expressing his respect for the fate of Armenian people, who he referred
to as "heroic and tragic," referring to the genocide claims, Chirac
said, "I feel excitement when I think of those who survived this
tragedy and asked for shelter in France being sure that they would
be given asylum and consolation there. I am excited remembering
Misak Manushian, his friends and all those who fought against the
Nazis. France will never forget their struggle for our freedom."
"The roots of half a million of French people are in Armenian land.
They brought bravery, talent and nobleness to France. You wished to
name this square the Square of France as a token of respect. On behalf
of the French people, I express my gratitude to you. The Square of
France will symbolize our friendship, like the 400 events that will
take place throughout France till July 14, 2007 within the framework
of Year of Armenia in France. The treasures of your heritage will
be on show in the most famous cultural centers in France. They will
recall the power of Armenian culture and its contribution to our
civilization," the French president added.