Posted on 04/05/2009 6:55:21 PM PDT by Schnucki
The love-in between Nicolas Sarkozy and Barack Obama proved short-lived after the French President warned his US counterpart yesterday to keep his nose out of the issue of Turkey’s membership of the European Union.
President Obama used his first EU-US summit, on the eve of his visit to Turkey, to encourage European leaders to embrace the Muslim country and “anchor it in Europe”. However, Mr Sarkozy, a long-standing opponent of full membership for Turkey, rebuffed the US leader in language that seemed to sour the revival of Franco-US relations.
Support for Turkey in joining the EU, a process that it began formally in 2005 and hopes to complete before 2020, has long been an American foreign policy goal.
Mr Obama, who flew to Turkey last night, clearly wanted to leave on a positive note. He told EU leaders: “The United States and Europe must approach Muslims as our friends, neighbours and partners in fighting injustice, intolerance and violence.
“Moving forward towards Turkish membership in the EU would be an important signal of your commitment to this agenda and ensure that we continue to anchor Turkey firmly in Europe.”
Mr Sarkozy, who has talked of offering Turkey a privileged partnership rather than membership, did not wait to hit back. “I have been working hand in hand with President Obama but when it comes to the European Union it is up to member states of the European Union to decide [on membership],” Mr Sarkozy said in an interview on French television. “I have always been opposed to this entry and I remain opposed,” he added.
His comments laid bare the continuing EU split over Turkish membership, with France and Austria openly opposed and deep reservations in Germany and the Netherlands. Turkey would become the most populous EU country and
(Excerpt) Read more at timesonline.co.uk ...
“I will stand with my muslim brothers”
Maybe no one told Nick that Obama is the MESSIAH!!
BO sure loves those Muslims, doesn’t he?
Turkey’s in NATO. The Turks I met in Europe were good people.
I agree that Europe should be in charge of the EU, despite what Ear leader decrees, but I’ve got no beef with Turkey.
Obama Akbar /sheep-mode
Hey obozo, after that slap, turn around and he’ll kick your butt.
As soon as Tony Blair left the PM office he officially announced his conversion to Catholicism. Until then, his policies showed his inclination.
As soon as the Resident leaves office he will openly declare his choice for Islam. Until then, he will be their advocate here and around the world. Notice he gave up on Christianity when it was expedient to do so. Remember that remark about clinging to guns and religion?
He bowed down to the keeper of mecca. He’s a muslim.
This is the plan. To get a muslim state in the EU. The European countries already are working on a majority of muslims.
Is Obama even hiding his Islamic agenda anymore?
The Turks may be good people- I know some that I have liked, some that I haven’t.
One problem is culturally they are not that similar to the rest of Europe. The other problem is EU membership allows open borders for job seekers and for living.
Europe’s probably already got more Islamic radicals than Turkey.
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