MARSEILLE–Citizens of Armenian and French origin gathered in Marseille–France last week–ahead of the December 17 summit of European leaders to decide whether Turkey is ready to enter the European Union.
The Marseille gathering of about 1,000 is a precursor to a large-scale demonstration planned in Brussels on the day of the summit to protest Turkey’s entry into the European body.
The protest was organized by the Armenian Revolutionary Federation–the Armenian Liberal Democratic Party–CCAF (The Coordinating Council of Armenian Organizations of France)–and CRAAM (Council Representing Armenian Associations of Marseille).
Speakers stressed not only Turkey’s anti-Armenia lobby in Europe–but also Jacques Chirac’s recent pro-Turkish stance that counters the will of French people.
Several leaders of France’s political parties–including President Chirac’s UMP party–were on hand to address Turkey’s nationalistic policies–violation of human rights–and its denial of the Armenian genocide–and expressed readiness to take part in the December 17 rally in Brussels.