Turkish FM cautions over possible rift during French 'Year of Armenia'

Noting that Turkey would not intervene in France's relations with third parties, Gul said that the Armenian issue would not harm bilateral relations between Turkey and France, which have significantly improved recently. In a press conference held in Paris, Gul, who first recalled that more than 400,000 Turks live in France, said both France and Turkey should take precautionary measures to prevent possible rifts between the country's Armenian and Turkish communities. Stressing that Turkey's E.U. membership bid had been used as a propaganda tool in French domestic politics, Gul stated they respected pluralistic democracy. To this end, Gul said, "Democracy has both weaknesses and strengths; this is natural."

Gul also said Turkey would initiate a comprehensive campaign in a few months to convince the French public, which has been opposed to Turkey's E.U. membership, to accept Turkey. Stating that Turkey attached great importance to its relations with France, Gul said: "The views of France have been very important throughout Turkey's venture toward full membership. Turkey would have never begun negotiation talks with the E.U. if French President Jacques Chirac had not offered his support on Dec. 17."

In response to a comment over France's demand for a military base in Cyprus, Gul noted with regard to the Cyprus issue that every country should consider international treaties, adding: "France has interests, and so does Turkey. When these are taken into account, common sense will prevail."

Meanwhile, at a press conference held at the French foreign ministry, the country's foreign minister responded harshly to an Armenian reporter who asked whether it was a contradiction for France to organize the "Year of Armenia" in France as Turkey prepared celebrations for the "Year of France." The French foreign minister replied, "Cultural and political affairs should never be confused with each other."

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