Interview with Nicolas Sarkozy in Le Monde dated March 10, 2016.
Should we establish an agreement with Turkey on the issue of refugees?
Yes, obviously. Who can be against? Turkey is a major regional power, a major player. An agreement with Ankara is essential but not in any conditions. The agreement which is currently developing between the EU and Turkey is akin to blackmail. I support the potential European effort to fund the “hot spots” in Turkey, but I am totally opposed to the abolition of visas for some 80 million Turks who then circulate freely throughout the Schengen area.
That lightens procedures for Turkish economic players, why not … But it makes no sense to consider removing them for the entire Turkish population in the security and migration situation in Europe. How can we say that we will abolish visas for Turks, while calling for Greece to restore border controls? Similarly, I am resolutely against the prospect of Turkish accession to the European Union. Why open negotiations with that country on the monetary chapter? Because it is envisaged that it is in the euro zone? For me it is out of question.
Stéphane © armenews.com