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ANKARA: Where Is "Liberty, Equality, Fraternity"?

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  • ANKARA: Where Is "Liberty, Equality, Fraternity"?

    Turkish Press
    May 12 2006

    Where Is "Liberty, Equality, Fraternity"?
    Published: 5/12/2006

    BY TUFAN TURENC

    HURRIYET- Years ago when I was studying at a French high school in
    Istanbul, Turkish-French relations were so different than today.
    There were no problems but rather trust and warmth between the two
    countries. To visit France, whose language and culture we were trying
    to learn, was our greatest dream.

    Back then the French language and culture were popular in Turkey, but
    over time, American culture replaced it. Our society began to rapidly
    adopt the American lifestyle. Today, there are deep rifts between
    Turkey and France.

    Hatred against Turks in France has risen over the last 10-15 years.
    One of the greatest architects of that was former President Giscard
    d'Estaing.

    During current President Jacques Chirac's first years in office,
    relations began to improve, but he couldn't insulate them from
    political pressures and began to take a harmful course of action.

    On the other hand, Nicholas Sarkozy, who is a clear enemy of Turks,
    is the strongest contender for the presidential elections to be held
    this time next year.

    If he is elected, it is certain that our relations suffer a blow.

    When I see this scene, I feel that I'm being betrayed, as a person
    who made such great efforts to learn this country's language and
    culture. I no longer want to travel to France.

    Then why did this happen?

    First, it should be made clear that Turkey has no responsibility for
    the current situation.

    France is no longer Europe's powerhouse. It has many problems, both
    economic and social. Recent movements of both immigrants and students
    shook the country sharply.

    Al these negative developments are dragging the French people into
    depression.

    They have serious problems with 5 million Muslims living in their
    country, and they don't know how to deal with the issue.

    The anger and hatred accumulated in their hearts against Muslims
    living in France has been transferred to Turks, even if they know
    little about Turkey.

    Currently the country is experiencing a dramatic paradox, and France,
    a European champion of democracy, secularism, and freedom of thought
    and expression, is moving far from wisdom and logic.

    France is in such a miserable situation, and has so lost its control
    and identity of `liberty, equality, and fraternity' that they intend
    to put people behind bars it they deny that an Armenian genocide took
    place.'
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