FRANCE IS CAUGHT UP IN ELECTION EXCITEMENT

Regarding the voting to be done in the French Parliament on Armenian claims about 1915 events, Minister for EU Affairs and Chief Negotiator Egemen Bagis stated that the friendly relations between the two countries would be damaged if such a draft law is adopted. Bagis said that French President Nicolas Sarkozy before the elections to be made in France was concerned that he will not be re-elected.

During his program in Rize, Bagis answered the questions of the members of the press on the voting to be done in the French Parliament on 1915 events and said:

“Yesterday there was a comprehensive meeting in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on this issue and a road map concerning the works to be done has been determined. Our interferences at the level of the Ministry of EU Affairs in France still continue. However, those draft laws resemble farfatara butterflies which are widely seen in that region. They are short-lived and appear only in certain times. As you know, there will be an election in France soon and Mr. Sarkozy is concerned that he will not be re-elected. He is anxious to find something to gain advantage from. He is trying to ingratiate himself into the favour of certain circles. But I believe French businessmen who work with Turkey will throw their weight about on this issue because they know very well how sensitive are Turkish people about this issue. We have always attached great importance to our relations with France. Our embassy in Paris has been working since 1400s. Such a long lasting, deep and detailed relationship was carried out by many kings, sultans, presidents, prime ministers and ministers. They are all gone but the friendship of Turkey and France has survived. However, the friendly relations between the two countries may be damaged if such a draft law is adopted. Thus, I believe that particularly the business world which attaches importance to relations between Turkey and France will throw its weight about on this issue. If there are people who have difficulties in understanding Turkey, I would like to make a call for them from Rize. They should eat Anzer honey and drink Rize tea. Then they will relax, be in good spirit and recover from stress. Considering the stress caused by the upcoming election Anzer honey and Rize tea will be helpful for them.”

Within the framework his program in Rize, Bagis attended the December meeting of the provincial general assembly and delivered a speech there on Turkey’s EU accession process. Bagis also attended the meeting “European Union-Harmony and Solidarity” which was held in Rize University.