XPost: soc.culture.russian, soc.culture.french, soc.culture.europe   
   XPost: soc.culture.german   
   From: TheGladiator@AgeOfAdventure.net   
      
   "Andre Majorel"  wrote in message   
   news:slrncs44hd.1vg.amajorel@vulcain.knox.com...   
   > On 2004-12-16, Spartacus  wrote:   
   >   
   >> Chirac is saying yes [to Turkey joining the EU] in public, no   
   >> in private. He does not want to say no in public because it   
   >> will expose French desire to be preeminent force in EU...big   
   >> fish in little pond. Also France does not want more Moslems in   
   >> Europe.   
   >   
   > I can't read Chirac's mind, but I doubt he's saying what he says   
   > in order to look good. Backing Turkey is not a popular view in   
   > France, where about two thirds of the population are against it.   
   > His position is in fact rather risky politically.   
   >   
   >> You notice he is saying it will take 15 or 20 years just to   
   >> decide. He does not want to see Turkey in the EU during his   
   >> lifetime.   
   >   
   > Dunno, but long delays between the declaration of intention and   
   > the actual entry are normal. Bringing a country to compliance   
   > with the EU rules takes time. More so for countries like Turkey   
   > where the legal and cultural gap with Europe is wide.   
   >   
      
   And now the EU has attached a poison pill to Turkish membership. Turkey must   
   humiliate itself and recognize Cyprus before EU talks can begin. This is   
   clearly designed to slow Turkey's membership.   
      
   > --   
   > André Majorel    
   > Todos, todos me miran mal   
   > Salvo los ciegos, es natural   
      
   --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05   
    * Origin: you cannot sedate... all the things you hate (1:229/2)