TUZMEN MEETS FRENCH MINISTER FOR FOREIGN TRADE LEGARDE

Turkish Press
Oct 8 2006

PARIS/ANKARA – "Approval of a bill (to be debated on Oct 12th) which
considers denial of so-called Armenian genocide claims a crime will
have a negative impact on Turkish-French relations," Turkish State
Minister Kursad Tuzmen said on Thursday.

Tuzmen, currently in Paris to attend "Turkish Week" activities of
the Turkish Industrialists` and Businessmen`s Association (TUSIAD),
met French Minister of Foreign Trade Christine Lagarde.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Tuzmen said bilateral trade
volume between Turkey and France would exceed 10 billion USD this year.

Tuzmen said, "in case the bill which considers denial of so-called
Armenian genocide claims is approved, several problems will erupt. I
have explained sensitivity of the Turkish public on this issue."

Tuzmen said such initiatives would have a negative impact on relations.