"France Abuses Armenian Issue to Prevent Turkey's EU Membership
By Jan Soykok, JTW
ANKARA - Turkish political scientists argue that France abuses the Armenian issue in order to prevent Turkey's EU membership. Sedat Laciner, Director of Ankara-based Turkish think tank USAK says that 'the anti-Turkish circles in France are so strong and they abuses the Cyprus and Armenian issues to halt the Turks.' Dr. Laciner further said:
'Christian fundamentalists, ultra-nationalist Armenians, and other anti-Turkish lobby have done anyting possible to prevent Turkey's EU bid. Turkey is now in memberhip negotiations with the EU. Turkey's economy and human rights records fulfill the EU criteria. As a matter of fact that there is no excuse to put the Turks in cold. That's why the anti-Turkish groups look for new excuses. France is not sincere in dealing with the Armenian issue. The Paris Government abuses the problems between the Turks and Armenians instead of helping them in solving the disputes. Both Armenia and Turkey need French help in reconciliation, yet the French politicians undermine the dialogue environment.'"
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