http://www.cnn.com/2004/WORLD/europe/06/29/bush.chirac.turkey/index.html

Turkey wants into the EU badly (though less so now than when their bid was rejected a few years ago) and thus far Chirac has behaved as a spoiled child in trying to keep them out. He told them that supporting the US against Iraq would kill their chances of getting into the EU. He has generally been very pissy about the entire thing and has said that the US doesn't even have the right to voice an opinion with respect to Turkey's membership status.

Surprisingly German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder has promised (http://www.cnn.com/2004/WORLD/europe/02/23/germany.turkey/index.html) to support Turkey once they have implemented promised reforms.

I've been kind of following the news developing about Chirac's tantrum today about Turkey and the US.

On Turkey, Chirac accused President Bush of meddling in the European Union's affairs by pushing for the EU to bring Turkey into its ranks.

"It's a bit like if I told the United States how they should manage their relations with Mexico," the French leader said.
source: http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20040629/ap_on_re_eu/nato_summit_040629175953 (http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20040629/ap_on_re_eu/nato_summit_040629175953)Right Jacques. Kind of like you telling the US that you didn't think it was a good idea to go into Iraq? Oh - that must be different somehow.

That way I see it is either you are a player on the international stage or you aren't. You can't have it both ways.

That way I see it is either you are a player on the international stage or you aren't. You can't have it both ways.
See, what you've forgotten about Chirac... er, how do I put this... What's important to remember when you're dealing with Chirac... well...

Chirac is an arsehole, and shouldn't be taken too seriously. his policy in Europe has always been that Europe = France.

Not a very scientific opinion, I know, and for that I apologise - but the man just gets my back up.

As far as Turkey joining the EU goes, I think it can only be a good thing. Turkey has operated pretty questionable human rights in the past, but I really believe they're trying to change. Being more closely involved with Europe in all ways will encourage that.

Besides - is there a strategic advantage to having an EU member state so geographically close to the Middle East? ;) Possibly. If they can calm down their attitude towards the Kurds...

well, there is a slight difference between invading a country and let a country become part of your idea of an united europe.

but so far, i am against turkey joining the EU, because they dont fulfill the requirements - yet. maybe in a few years and after some reforms (e.g. capital punishment), i will welcome them with open arms just like any other new member.

and chirac .. well, thats another story. with his way of handling bush's "advice", he just wants to make clear that france also has an important role in the EU. you know, france and its patriotism ;)
(ohoh, i guess the schengen treaty just ran out for me entering france :D )

Just another example of Chirac being a dick.
I think it has alot to do with his personal dislike(and thats putting it lightly) of G.W..

As for Tukery joining the EU, it sounds like a good move to me....

but so far, i am against turkey joining the EU, because they dont fulfill the requirements - yet. maybe in a few years and after some reforms (e.g. capital punishment)

Does the EU not do capital punishmen? *feels like a dumb American*

nope, the member countries of the EU don't have capital punishment.

http://img6.photobucket.com/albums/v19/DhammaSeeker1975/EvBoard/FrLabel.jpg
WASH WITH WARM WATER
USE MILD SOAP
DRY FLAT
DO NOT USE BLEACH
DO NOT DRY IN THE DRYER
DO NOT IRON
WE ARE SORRY THAT OUR PRESIDENT IS AN IDIOT
WE DID NOT VOTE FOR HIM

Whoa...is that real?

Whoa...is that real? Not sure, but it's funny nonetheless. (No offense meant to Arutha or the other fine French folk here on EvBoard.)

now i do agree on one thing, chirac is and idiot...sorry to all the french people here but accept it... hes has no freaking clue of what he´s doing...
as for me if turkey wants to join the EU then let them, i don´t see anything wrong with it...

peace...

Whoa...is that real?
No... dude - you realise that you just said that out loud, don't you?

Oh. Emm. Gee.

Not sure, but it's funny nonetheless. (No offense meant to Arutha or the other fine French folk here on EvBoard.)
Since it appears in the french and not in the english, it is reasonable to assume that it is meant to apply to Bush.

It also appears on T-Shirts for US American travelers :D

http://img6.photobucket.com/albums/v19/DhammaSeeker1975/EvBoard/FrLabel.jpg
WASH WITH WARM WATER
USE MILD SOAP
DRY FLAT
DO NOT USE BLEACH
DO NOT DRY IN THE DRYER
DO NOT IRON
WE ARE SORRY THAT OUR PRESIDENT IS AN IDIOT
WE DID NOT VOTE FOR HIM



lmao !
ahah, yep that was funny :p

Whoa...is that real? According to snopes.com (http://www.snopes.com/business/hidden/tombihn.asp), YES!

But I was thinking about it all wrong. If you read the snopes report (http://www.snopes.com/business/hidden/tombihn.asp), you'll see the true meaning behind the "treason tag".

as for me if turkey wants to join the EU then let them, i don´t see anything wrong with it...


The problem with what happened here isn't, I'd argue, about Chirac's arrogance or French-American relations. It's about G.W. Bush's complete lack of understanding of internal European politics. Turkish admission into the EU is a big deal, particularly to certain segments of the Greek population. Because of Cyrus and former Ottoman domination there exists a great deal of animosity towards the Turks within certain segments of the Greek population.

The United States has not exactly endured itself to the Greek people, as it stands. Our support for a military regime in the run-up towards the revolution that produced the Greek republic in the 1970s has caused quite a bit of bad blood, and the seemingly endless security demands coming out of Washington in regards to the upcoming Olympics in Athens (be they justified or not) are leaving the Greeks knashing their teeth.

In my opinion, given all of the above, Bush's little speech was fucking stupid.