ISTANBUL (ARMENPRESS)–The Armenian Patriarch of Turkey–Archbishop Mesrob Mutafian–met recently with the France’s Consul General in Istanbul–Jean-Christophe Peaucelle–who was eager to learn about the religious leader’s views on Turkey’s accession to the European Union (EU). To date–France has resisted Turkey’s efforts to gain EU membership.
Archbishop Mutafian told Peaucelle that it would incorrect to view the international community of Armenia’s as a homogeneous body. "French Armenia’s who resist Turkish EU membership represent only one part of the Armenian community. Along with Diaspora Armenia’s who advocate against Turkey’s accession to EU–there are also Armenia’s who support the process because they realize the benefits Turkey’s membership can have on Turkish-Armenian relations," he said.
Mutafian said that he too–as the Armenian Patriarch–often speaks in favor of Turkey’s drive–and believes that its membership will have a "very positive" effect on a number of issues–including Turkish-Armenian relations–regional stability–and the condition of Turkey’s national minorities.