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The Grand Turk
Turkey seeks French help over EU bid
2010-10-13
[Iran Press TV] As part of its efforts to join the European Union, the Turkish government has called on France to support Ankara's bid for EU membership.
Bwha-ha-ha-ha!! The FRENCH? Really? The French are the ones who oppose most the Turks getting into the EU! How's that keeping the 4ID out of Turkey in 2003 working out for you guys?
"We have extended a request for stronger French support in the opening of more chapters in our membership negotiations," Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu told his visiting French counterpart Bernard Kouchner on Tuesday.

The French minister said his country was ready to "help Turkey" open three more policy chapters in its membership bid on competition policy, social policy, and employment as well as public procurement.

"Turkey has passed through a process of a constitutional referendum and you have general elections ahead. The EU will become a reality for Turkey if you make necessary reforms. The ball is in your court," Kouchner said.

The two countries also agreed to boost political cooperation and intelligence sharing in the fight against the separatist group Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK).

Kouchner confirmed that the two sides were engaged in "necessary cooperation" in the fight against terrorism.

Turkey started its EU membership talks in 2005 but has made little progress due to a dispute over Cyprus and opposition of several EU nations including France and Germany.
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