Turkish Associations In France Express Uneasiness Over Campaigns Against Turks And Muslims

PARIS - The Union of Associations of Turkish Origin Citizens (RACORT) in France expressed its uneasiness over recent campaigns against Turks and Muslims.
Releasing a statement on Friday, the RACORT expressed its regret over ''illogical behaviors'' of those who are opposed to Turkey's membership to the European Union (EU).
''Nearly 400 thousand migrants of Turkish origin live in France. Recent campaigns carried out by some political parties against Turkish and Muslims contradict with fundamental values and principles of France. We call on those political parties to put an end to such campaigns scaring French citizens. Both left and right wing politicians are, in fact, inciting racism with their statements that Turkey's membership will be the end of Europe's identity and unity,'' the RACORT said.
Recalling that some 14 million Muslim people lived across Europe, the RACORT said that such campaigns meant refusal of multi-cultural mosaic of Europe.
The RACORT called on all EU leaders to open entry talks with Turkey as soon as possible and without any condition.
''Turkey's membership will provide the EU with a chance to avoid clash of civilizations incited by some political and religious groups in Europe,'' the RACORT added.
(UK-ULG) 08.10.2004