"Chirac backs Turkey's EU bid, with conditions
PARIS, Dec 16 (AFP) - President Jacques Chirac's statement that Turkey deserved EU membership - but only if it met a series of conditions - given on the eve of a key Brussels summit on the issue Thursday was seen in France as an attempt to reassure a jittery public.
'Yes, but,' was how Chirac summed up his position on national television late Wednesday, explaining that adhesion could only occur after up to 20 years of negotiations and each current EU state, including France, could slam the door at any time.
The French would have the 'last word' in a referendum, he said. "
More:Expatica: Chirac backs Turkey's EU bid, with conditions
