October 15, 2008 - 16:20 AMT
Ankara requests France not to interfere into Armenia-Turkish relations
Turkish Parliament Speaker Koksal Toptan said on Tuesday that Turkey would have the right to become a European Union (EU) member after fulfilling the reforms.
Speaking at a meeting with Josselin de Rohan, the chairman of the Foreign Affairs, Defense and Armed Forces Committee of the French Senate, Toptan said trade volume between Turkey and France stays around 10 billion USD because of some problems.
Referring to relations between Turkey and Armenia, Toptan said, "We request our French friends not to intervene in Turkish-Armenian relations. Any intervention will damage them."
In response, the French official said France does not have any intention to intervene in Turkish-Armenian relations or dialogue between them. He described Turkish President Abdullah Gul's visit to Armenia as "important", noting that the parties should face the future.
De Rohan said "Turkish Season Year" would be celebrated in France next year, adding that this will have a positive impact on cultural, economic and political relations.
Commenting on Turkey-EU relations, De Rohan said the parties should have good will and be patient, adding that the quicker Turkey fulfills the reforms, the quicker impediments would be removed, the Anatolian Agency reports.