France: Bush’s Words Will not Affect Turkey View

The spokesman answered questions during a press briefing held at the Ministry. When he was asked about the issue, he replied that the Bush’s words would not influence France.

Previously, French President Jacques Chirac had sharply rebuked Bush for saying that the "EU should immediately start membership discussions with Turkey." Chirac declared that Bush had over stepped the bounds of his authority by trying to impose his influence on a strictly European issue.

Ladsous reminded that France clearly stated its stance on the subject and that it is now waiting for the European Union Commission’s progress report on Turkey.

Similar statements made by Bush prior to last year’s Copenhagen Summit had been shown as the reason for Chirac’s negative attitude against Turkey during that summit.

Erdogan Goes to Paris

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan will go to Paris for a three-day official visit beginning July 19. Erdogan will seek French support for the start of Turkey’s membership discussions to the Union. Erdogan will meet with Chirac, Prime Minister Jean Pierre Raffarin and several other politicians.