BARROSO’S MESSAGE TO FRANCE
Turkish Press
Oct 23 2006
BRUSSELS – European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso has
indicated that there must not be new criteria and conditions for
Turkey, referring to discussions on so-called Armenian genocide
in France.
At a news conference in Brussels, Barroso noted that Turkish
authorities should respect Ankara Protocol, stating that the pace of
reforms on public freedoms was not satisfactory.
On the other hand, EU commissioner for enlargement Olli Rehn criticised
the bill on so-called Armenian genocide in French Parliament and
pointed out to the possible harm that will be caused by steps taken
to that end.
Expressing his views to the press, Rehn said that while the draft in
question was French parliament’s problem, it might however would lead
to serious problems in EU-Turkey relations.
Rehn said he is worried about the possibility of adoption of the
draft legislation punishing those who didn’t acknowledge the so called
Armenian genocide, and said such a development would harm the dialogue
between Turkey and EU.