"TURKEY SEASON IN FRANCE" TO START IN JULY 1

/PanARMENIAN.Net/
10.06.2009 16:20 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Turkey and France will launch a series of cultural
events and programs to celebrate "Turkey Season in France" and
introduce Turkish culture to French people.

The season will start on July 1 and continue until March of next
year. Turkey recently announced the expansion of activities to include
over 40 cities with 400 programs, Today’s Zaman reported.

President Abdullah Gul, who was harsh in criticizing Europe before,
seems to have toned down his rhetoric and signaled a willingness
to undertake initiatives for a possible rapprochement between the
two countries.

Politicians come and go, he said, stressing the importance of political
goals set by the countries. Speaking at a reception held at Cankaya
presidential palace, Gul said, "The important thing is to continue
preparing the country for full EU membership."

"People who voiced opposition to Turkey today might change their
position later," he said, dismissing anti-Turkish statements voiced by
politicians. "What matters," he said, "is the opinion of the Turkish
and European public."

Both Sarkozy and German Chancellor Angela Merkel recommend that Turkey
be offered a privileged partnership instead of full EU membership,
which Ankara strongly rejects.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress