SENER WARNS EU NOT TO MEDDLE IN TURKISH-ARMENIAN RELATIONS

The New Anatolian, Turkey
Oct 5 2006

Turkish State Minister Abdullatif Sener yesterday warned the European
Union not to meddle in Turkish-Armenian bilateral relations, referring
to the French president’s recent push for Turkey to recognize the
Armenian genocide claims.

Sener made the remarks while speaking to the Anatolia news agency
on the sidelines of activities for Turkey-Europe week to mark the
anniversary of the beginning of Turkey’s EU membership talks. The
week-long activities are taking place in European capitals and
organized by the Turkish Industrialists’ and Businessmen’s Association
(TUSIAD) and the European Policy Center.

"[French President Jacques] Chirac said that recognition of the
Armenian genocide claims should be a pre-condition to Turkey’s
EU membership. An Armenian bill is being discussed in the French
Parliament introducing fines and prison terms for those who question
the Armenian genocide claims. It is not possible to accept such an
attitude. This is against the cultural atmosphere the EU is trying to
create," Sener said to criticize France’s stance on the controversial
events.

Stressing that Armenia is not a European but an Asian country, Sener
said, "Armenia is a third party for the EU. So it is meaningless to
bring this matter up as part of Turkey’s EU membership process."

The Turkish state minister went on with his warning, saying, "Whether
it is an EU member or another country, everybody who is trying to
influence Armenia’s policy from the outside should give up their
endeavors. Chirac’s remarks are insincere."