France's Macron urges continued EU ties with Turkey

 

French President Emmanuel Macron delivers a speech during a meeting with prefects at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, September 5, 2017. REUTERS/Etienne Laurent/Pool/Files

 

PARIS (Reuters) - Turkey remains a vital partner of the European Union and ties should be maintained even if the country had taken a worrying turn of late, French President Emmanuel Macron said in an interview published on Thursday.

 

The comments from the French president followed ones on Sunday in which German Chancellor Angela Merkel said talks on Turkish membership of the European Union should be halted.

 

Speaking to Greece's Kathimerini newspaper, Macron was quoted as saying: "Turkey has indeed strayed away from the European Union in recent months and worryingly overstepped the mark in ways that cannot go ignored, notably concerning the customs union".

 

"But I want to avoid a split because it's a vital partner in many crises we all face, notably the immigration challenge and the terrorist threat."

 

(Reporting by Brian Love; Editing by Alison Williams)

 

-- © Copyright Reuters 2017-09-07

Can't blame Macron for trying to counter the renewal of a flood of Muslims by kowtowing to Turkey.

Easy to overlook "straying". Can't afford to use the brutal truth about what Turkey has been doing.

And has done. Good on you Macron, wave another little white flag.

Produce more little white flags. France has been waving them since the Little General was retired.

Actually, I notice that Macron has a nervous compunction. He wrings his hands in public speeches.

It is said that another man of limited stature did the same thing and got around it by placing

one hand inside his military jacket. Seems Macron may be aping the "Little General".

Perhaps laying the ground for a future arms export deal, with the usual hidden benefits?

Just now, dabhand said:

Perhaps laying the ground for a future arms export deal, with the usual hidden benefits?

I doubt France will get a look in. Russia and the US are already up to their noses in proposing deals.

China may yet gazump them both

 

Makes sense: keep your friends close, but your enemies closer ...

7 hours ago, webfact said:

Turkey remains a vital partner of the European Union and ties should be maintained

Turkey can be a trade partner with the EU without being in the EU. Macron doesn't contradict Merkel who is only calling for an end to Turkey's application for EU membership. Macron adds really nothing to the topic of Erdogan's erosion of democracy.

1 hour ago, Srikcir said:

Turkey can be a trade partner with the EU without being in the EU. Macron doesn't contradict Merkel who is only calling for an end to Turkey's application for EU membership. Macron adds really nothing to the topic of Erdogan's erosion of democracy.

And other than refugees, what other trade partnership with Europe does Turkey have to offer.  Seriously, does EU need Turkey for anything.  EU made the offer to Turkey, Turkey responded with severe human right abuses.

But still Eu wants this  extremist country to be part of EU. Soon they will invite Russia. 555  

8 hours ago, spiderorchid said:

does EU need Turkey for anything.

Energy - a counter to the Russian energy monopoly on the European continent.

EU trade policies have to be pragmatic with Turkey if the EU wants energy security.

And he says Poland breaks rules of democracy and is about to sanction Poland Hungary... For not taking refugees.

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