TURKEY SUSPENDS MILITARY TIES WITH FRANCE
By Cihan News Agency

Zaman, Turkey
Nov 16 2006

Turkish Land Forces Commander Ilker Basbug announced that Turkey has
suspended military relations with France following hot debates after
the French Parliament adopted a draft bill making it a crime to deny
that Turks committed genocide against Armenians last century.

In October, the French National Assembly; the lower house of the
French parliament, passed a much-debated bill that carries up to one
year in prison for anyone who denies that the World War I killings
of Armenians during the late Ottoman period were genocide.

Gen. Ilker Basbug made his remarks at a reception held on Wednesday
evening on the occasion of the 23rd anniversary of the foundation of
the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. "Relations with France in
the military field have been suspended," Basbug told reporters.

In response to a question over possible military visits, "There
are no high-level (military) visits between the two countries,"
the general remarked.

The bill, adopted with 106 "yes" votes to 19 "no," still requires
the approval of the French senate and president to become law.

On Oct. 18, Turkish Parliament adopted a joint declaration after
debating the bill. "The French National Assembly has not only inflicted
great damage on bilateral ties but has also dealt a blow to efforts to
normalize our ties with Armenia," the declaration said. It added the
bill would have serious effects on political, economic and military
ties with France and on Armenia itself.

This recent move is seen as another link in escalating tension with
France, a key member of the European Union, at a time when EU hopeful
Turkey’s accession talks to become a member of the 25-member bloc
look increasingly troubled.

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