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France/Turkey/Iran Interview given by Dominique de Villepin, Prime Minister to "Europe 1", (excerpts) Paris, August 2, 2005
Q. (...) The Turkey issue seems to be becoming rather important. On 3 October, i.e. in barely two months' time, the European Union is scheduled to start negotiating with Turkey who is setting her own conditions, for example, as regards Cyprus. Is this acceptable? Should the 3 October date be maintained or postponed, I don't yet dare say "cancelled"?
THE PRIME MINISTER As regards the customs union, Turkey has indeed just announced in a statement that her signature didn't mean recognition of Cyprus. It doesn't seem conceivable to me for any negotiation process whatsoever to open with a country which doesn't recognize every member of the European Union, i.e. the Twenty-five. Engaging in a negotiation process, regardless of its form, of course presupposes recognition of all the members you want to work with. So there is here a principle which I think has to be defended and which France will impress on Turkey as on the other European Union countries during the forthcoming September meetings. Q. If Turkey doesn't fulfil all the conditions and imposes her own, what could happen between now and 3 October?
THE PRIME MINISTER Well, we'll have to wait for Turkey to signal a genuine will to start this negotiation process. Q. So nothing might take place on 3 October?
THE PRIME MINISTER Absolutely. I think things have to be clear. But let's first talk to the other European Union countries about this. You know, France is a country keen to work in the European Union family. There are foreign ministers' meetings at the beginning of September, there will be discussions between the Heads of State. In the wake of these, we'll decide on France's position, and I say this here: I don't think it's conceivable to start a process before Turkey has clearly signalled her willingness to recognize every member of the European Union. Q. (...) Iran is threatening to resume her nuclear activities; she is waiting for Europe to recognize her right to enrich uranium. And you, Dominique de Villepin, were I believe, with the British and Germans, the first to negotiate with Iran. What has to be done if Tehran does what she's announced?
THE PRIME MINISTER There's an extraordinary International Atomic Energy Agency meeting taking place in the next few days to determine the Agency's official position. Iran has to adhere to the commitments made. These commitments are to suspend all uranium conversion, reprocessing and enrichment activities. Q. And if she doesn't?
THE PRIME MINISTER The international community will have to draw all the appropriate conclusions. Here too, there has to be consensus, dialogue. This is the purpose of the IAEA meeting and the issue will be referred to the Security Council if Iran doesn't comply. Q. A word on your very recent visit to London. It was deemed warm, promising, impeccable. What really happened between Dominique de Villepin and Tony Blair?
THE PRIME MINISTER As you know, the United Kingdom and Europe are in a difficult situation, because terror is, of course, something we all face. No country in Europe is safe and so there's the need to look to the future, mobilize and seek solutions. There are obviously major worries on the terrorist front. There are major worries too on the European front, we all want to start making headway again, finding solutions I'm thinking particularly about what is on the table right now, i.e. the financial negotiation, Europe's budget for 2007-2013. (...)./.
Embassy of France in the United States - August 3, 2005
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