Chirac: We are All Children of Byzantium

French President Jacques Chirac, who always makes harsh statements about Turkey’s EU membership, said at the Youth Forum in Marsellie that, such a Turkey was a big opportunity for Europe, however, "Turkey has to obey the basic values of Europe; peace, democracy and human rights. There is no limit to democracy and human rights. When these conditions are fulfilled, Europe will be stronger with the admission of Turkey."

To underline Turkey was also European, Chirac said that "We are all children of Byzantium."