TURKEY SEVERS MILITARY TIES WITH FRANCE

United Press International
Nov 16 2006

ANKARA, Turkey, Nov. 16 (UPI) — Turkey has severed military ties
with France over a century-old dispute involving the alleged slaughter
of Armenians.

At issue is the French Parliament’s adoption of a draft bill that
makes it a crime to deny Turks committed genocide against Armenians
in the late Ottoman period during World War I, the Cihan news agency
reported Thursday.

While the bill still requires the approval of the French Senate and
president to become law, Turkish Land Forces commander, Gen. Ilker
Basbug said he was following the Turkish parliament’s lead.

"There are no high-level (military) visits between the two countries,"
Basbug said.

Last month, Turkey’s Grand National Assembly issued a declaration
denouncing France’s insistence of genocide.

"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.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress