Posted on 04/05/2009 7:54:37 PM PDT by Cincinna
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
(Excerpt) Read more at timesonline.co.uk ...
The US position remains unchanged. It is not an Obama challenge to Sarkozy.
As an America loving immigrant, I never thought the day would come when I would root for a foreigner over an American. Now, that time is here. I’m still embarassed to have these feelings, but at least I can console myself with the thought that I’m not alone.
There are a couple of LEGAL immigrants to this great nation on FR, but their names escape me for the moment. I already escaped a socialist country yet here I am observing America become one.
That's the ticket, good post.“The United States and Europe must approach Muslims as our friends, neighbours and partners in fighting injustice, intolerance and violence.”
How about this: Muslims get injustice, intolerance and violence under control in their own countries or their communities in countries where they’ve emigrated, then they can talk about EU membership.
A fresh start? It was clear from the beginning that the "fresh start" Obama was pushing for was the destruction of this country. Confidence in a guy with his background? More like he is a confidence man.I welcomed, moderately, his victory last year as offering the possibility of a fresh start and a boost to confidence.
Yet, we are told that he is a great orator and in one way he certainly is. He does have a preternatural calm in the spotlight and a mastery of the cadences we associate with the notable speakers in US history
I don't know how that could be a positive thing in any way.
The "mastery of cadences" is a tool to lull listeners into submission not unlike what despot dictators have been doing for years.
Many in this country have fallen for it, very few at this website.
His performance at the first press conference in London with Gordon Brown featured moments in which he sparkled
He sparkled? Sparkled?
LOL, that must have been what tingled up Chris Matthews leg!
Concerning what Sarkozy was talking about, leaving EU membership to the members: Hussein outright plays the race card to Europe. Let the Muslims in. They just happen to be in Turkey.
The fact is Turkey has a huge population and lots of problems, not least its propensity for military coups for religious reasons. Turkey prides itself on secular government. The last thing it needs is to be let in because of its Muslims.
yitbos
Excellent point.
One of the main complaints about America has always been that the US tries to other countries what to do within their own countries and regions.
Obama stated he was above all the “imperialism” and Hope and Change would save them, too.
Sarko has a very complete and complex understanding of the implications for France and for Europe of admitting Turkey as a full partner in the EU. Sarko doesn’t need His Barackness to tell him what is best for his own country.
Exactly. His Barackness feels he is oh so superior to his tacky countrymen.
I also resented his references to the US as the only country that has used nuclear weapons having the obligation to rid the world of nukes..
Sarko is the President of France. His Barackness’ remarks were aimed at Sarko and Angela Merkel.
Sarko doesn’t need 8 speechwriters and a TelePrompTer to do the right thing.
He fired back at Obama within ten minutes. A clear warning shot across the bow.
If that was George W. Bush’s policy, I disagreed with him at the time.
Thanks DNL, Sarko is more pro-American and less a foreigner than the current occupant of the White House.
“The United States and Europe must approach Muslims as our friends, neighbours and partners in fighting injustice, intolerance and violence.” - Barak Obama
Fine, but kissing their rings is a bit much isn't it Barak? I mean, "You won" right?
Thanks Cincinna.
additional:
Paris and Berlin bristle as Obama backs Turkey for EU
Reuters | 4/5/2009 | Kerstin Gemhlich and Mark John
Posted on 04/05/2009 10:36:24 PM PDT by mojitojoe
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/2223110/posts
Yeah I saw that. In fact I made a pdf for future reference.
Thanks for posting it.
It was Dubya’s position, no if about it. I provided you with the link. It is still US policy under Obama.
Excellent description.
Reagan was the best speaker. IMO
And you actually knew what he said when he finished.
No hem-hawing around, no uhs, no teleprompter, etc
Never mind Turkey's genocides against millions of Christians, its denial of same, its destruction of past non Turk cultural monuments similar to the Taliban, the continued murder of Christians priests and others on a daily basis, ad nauseum.
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