Posted on 06/28/2004 7:00:07 PM PDT by Stoat
French President Jacques Chirac (search) said Monday that President Bush went "too far" by saying the European Union should admit Turkey, and he added that Bush commenting on Turkish-EU relations was like a French leader commenting on U.S.-Mexican ties. "If President Bush really said that in the way that I read, then not only did he go too far, but he went into territory that isn't his," Chirac said. "It's a bit like if I told the United States how they should manage their relations with Mexico." Bush met with Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan (search) in Ankara before attending Monday's NATO summit in Istanbul, and he pledged to fight for Turkey's membership in the European Union (search). In a speech Bush made in Ireland before traveling to Turkey, Bush said: "Turkey is a proud nation that successfully blends a European identity with the Islamic traditions." "As Turkey meets the EU standards for membership, the European Union should begin talks that will lead to full membership for the Republic of Turkey," Bush said.
(Excerpt) Read more at foxnews.com ...
Well, isn't that nice.
Bush gets things done (like the early handover of sovereignty to Iraq) and all Chirac can do is whine and bitch. Great statesman, that one.
I'm not sure why we are trying to do favors for the Turks after their behavior in the war.
Actually, it's a bit like the French telling us how to manage our enemies in Iraq, there, Jack.
hmmm... in one way he has a point, but the usa has interests in the region and is IN the region) and in stability and so i think its quite reasonable for bush to comment on his preference and make recommendations.
just a bit of political bigtalking, move along, nothing to see here.
i lost a bracket there somewhere but you get my meaning, im sure.
I thought that it was relevant and interesting for several reasons, among them being the notion that Chirac seems to feel emboldened to instantly fire off unkind remarks such as this in the context of speaking for the EU. If it is truly a "union" of European nations, wouldn't it be more appropriate for official statements to be issued after consultation with other nations?
When the U.S. House or Senate passes a resolution or statement on behalf of the United States, it's done after a House or Senate floor vote.
I just thought that it was a bit presumptuous for Chirac to speak this way on behalf of the entire EU.
I bet Bush didn't know a frog could ride a turkey.
Boycott France.
His imperialism is showing. I didn't realize the EU was comprised of France.
Becki
After WWII we have a blood stake in the EU.
Chirac can go *&%$ himself.
Yes. Since when does France and Chirac deem to speak for the EU. was Chirac elected president of the Eu when we werent looking? And Chirac certainly doesnt mind trying to tell the US how to work with Iraq. After Iraq gained its sovereignty today grance was the first to try tomake a buck off of them, they were too cowardly to join the coalition but if theres a buck to be made they are there with their hands out.
Chiraq, save some time and please just put the towel on your head and start saying your prayers towards Mecca. You're a little twit and we're so freaking tired of you and your whining little country. (Yeah, that's what I would say!!!)
I think Bush only said it to annoy. And it did. Good.
I see no reason for Bush to push Turkey into anything.
They have cost taxpayer dollars by lack of cooperation with us. They also want to rule the Kurds. They will want to do this through the EU. I am not in favor of it in spite of the foolish French.
Pres Bush is stirring jack's pot. I love that man!!
Chirac sounds a little snippy here.
Jack Chirac yaps about the USA here, here, and gets his just dessert here!
Gimme some of that Freedom Toast, will ya?
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