FRENCH AMBASSADOR LAUDS TURKEY AS BROKER FOR EU, MIDEAST
By Economy News Desk

Zaman, Turkey
Nov 22 2006

As the rift between Turkey and France over the French draft bill on
the alleged Armenian genocide deepens, France’s Ambassador to Turkey
Jean-Paul Poudade said: "Because of issues relating to internal
politics, politicians are exaggerating something. This draft will
not be ratified."

Noting that the membership talks between Turkey and the European
Union should continue without interruption, Poudade stressed the
importance of this for both sides. Speaking at a dinner held by the
Istanbul Chamber of Commerce, the French ambassador said: "If it wants
to establish dialogue with the Islamic world, Europe could do it via
Turkey. When Turkey is admitted into the union, the difficulties in
the Middle East will be alleviated to a great extent.

Sooner or later, one should maintain peace with their neighbors,
especially if they are an EU member."

Poudade further stressed that French and Turkish businessmen should
collaborate more often to strengthen the ties between the countries.