BRUSSELS (AA) - French President Jacques Chirac said, ''Turkish people are honorable, they have never accepted privileged partnership, and excluding Turkey will cause a very heavy responsibility.''
Speaking on French TV channel on Wednesday, Chirac gave information about France's stance towards Turkey at EU Summit which will start tomorrow (Thursday).
''There is a right discussion in France about Turkey. Turkey's entry to the EU will be in the best interest of Europe,'' he added.
Chirac said, ''Turkey is a very big market and it is very strong in economic aspect. Europe will gain strength with Turkey's accession.''
''Starting full membership talks will not mean full membership, and these talks will continue 10-15 years. A proposal like privileged partnership which will bring a partial result will not be reasonable. Turkish people, who are honorable, will never accept this, and excluding Turkey will bring a heavy burden,'' he stated.
Noting, ''Turkey's heading towards Europe, not Asia, will be for the interest of Europe,'' Chirac said, ''it is necessary to stay away from clash of civilizations, religions and cultures. Turkey has been a secular state since 1923 and shown respect to other religions. We shall not provoke, otherwise we lose.''
Chirac stated, ''development of Europe will not be provided by clash. French people will make the final decision with a referendum regarding Turkey's accession to the EU. France will support EU's starting entry talks with Turkey at the summit.''
(GC-MS)
2004-12-15