French ambassor pledges 'balanced an objective' EU Presidency towards Turkey

The French presidency of the European Union in the second half of 2008 will be �very balanced and objective," and so need not cause Turkey concern, French Ambassador to Ankara Bernard Emie told a meeting of the Association of Turkish-French Businessmen yesterday. Stating that France favors continuing Turkey's accession talks with the EU, Emie added that his country places special importance on close Turkish-EU ties.