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EuroNews, France
Oct 7 2011
Sarkozy's foreign policy trip turns sour with Turkey
In what appear to be comments made for a domestic audience in an
election year, the French president has managed to annoy both Turkey
and Russia in the last 24 hours.
In Armenia Nicolas Sarkozy told the Turks off for brushing what he
called the "genocide" of Turkey's Armenians under the carpet. Turkey's
foreign minister was quick to react.
"I consider such remarks as political opportunism and unfortunately
such political opportunism comes out of Europe whenever there is an
upcoming election. It would be more beneficial for world peace if
France confronts its own history first, especially its history with
African nations," said Ahmet Davutoglu.
Sarkozy has said Turkish failure to recognise the genocide is one
reason why he does not support full Turkish membership of the EU.
Going on to Georgia Sarkozy then proceeded to accuse Russia of not
repecting the terms of the 2008 peace deal which he brokered. He also
called on the Georgians to improve their relations with Moscow.
He is also visiting Azerbaijan on a two-day tour of the Caucasus,
where he will attempt to continue brokering talks with Armenia over
the disputed territory of Nagorno-Karabakh.
Oct 7 2011
Sarkozy's foreign policy trip turns sour with Turkey
In what appear to be comments made for a domestic audience in an
election year, the French president has managed to annoy both Turkey
and Russia in the last 24 hours.
In Armenia Nicolas Sarkozy told the Turks off for brushing what he
called the "genocide" of Turkey's Armenians under the carpet. Turkey's
foreign minister was quick to react.
"I consider such remarks as political opportunism and unfortunately
such political opportunism comes out of Europe whenever there is an
upcoming election. It would be more beneficial for world peace if
France confronts its own history first, especially its history with
African nations," said Ahmet Davutoglu.
Sarkozy has said Turkish failure to recognise the genocide is one
reason why he does not support full Turkish membership of the EU.
Going on to Georgia Sarkozy then proceeded to accuse Russia of not
repecting the terms of the 2008 peace deal which he brokered. He also
called on the Georgians to improve their relations with Moscow.
He is also visiting Azerbaijan on a two-day tour of the Caucasus,
where he will attempt to continue brokering talks with Armenia over
the disputed territory of Nagorno-Karabakh.