OFFICIAL SAYS FRANCE "NOT TO INTERVENE" IN TURKEY-ARMENIA RELATIONS
Tuesday, 14 October 2008 17:36
Turkey
Turkish Parliament Speaker Koksal Toptan said on Tuesday that Turkey
would have the right to become a European Union (EU) member after
fulfilling the reforms.
Speaking at a meeting with Josselin de Rohan, the chairman of the
Foreign Affairs, Defense and Armed Forces Committee of the French
Senate, Toptan said trade volume between Turkey and France stayed
around 10 billion USD because of some problems.
Referring to relations between Turkey and Armenia, Toptan said,
"we request our French friends not to intervene in Turkish-Armenian
relations. Any intervention will damage relations between Turkey
and Armenia."
In response, French official said France did not have any intention to
intervene in Turkish-Armenian relations or dialogue between them. He
described Turkish President Abdullah Gul’s visit to Armenia as
"important", noting that the parties should look at the future.
De Rohan said "Turkish Season Year" would be celebrated in France
next year, noting that this would have a positive impact on cultural,
economic and political relations.
De Rohan said his country attached importance to visits between the
parliaments, and invited Toptan to France.
Commenting on Turkey-EU relations, De Rohan said the parties should
have good will and be patient, adding that the quicker Turkey fulfills
the reforms, the quicker impediments would be removed.