Dhimmitude from a French politician? Why, it's unprecedented! From "Debre: Armenian Issue is not Our Problem" in Turks.us, with thanks to Ali Dashti:
Speaker of the French National Parliament Jean-Louis Debre discussed Turkey's European Union (EU) membership bid just before his Turkey visit begins today. Debre responded to a question about whether the Armenian issue was a problem in the development of Turkey-France relations: "Let's be honest. First of all, the Armenian problem is not an issue concerning Turkey-France relations. It is rather about Turkey-Armenia relations and Turkey's own history in particular."The EU that Turkey wants to join was the built by confronting public and state history, Debre said, and they believe that Turkey would understand this and its part of the European project. The French Speaker also added that it is about "overcoming the conflicts to build a peaceful unity, respecting human rights, paying attention to the responsibility to remember, and making peace with one's own history." Meanwhile, the French Parliament approved the so-called genocide bill in 2001, which led to a long break in Turkey-France relations.
Well, wouldn't making peace with one's own history involve owning up to the Armenian genocide? So it seems that the Speaker is just hoping they will do, but he certainly won't be too disappointed if they don't.
'Armenian problem'? Sounds like 'Jewish question'.
When the Nazis had their panzers parked under the Arc de Triomphe in the early 40's I wonder if Debre would have considered this merely as a Franco-German problem?
Il Toscano
Nice one France! It's a good job Britain and the USA didn't take the same attitude in World War II when Germany had overrun France.
Time will come when the arrogant french will again need our help....