French senate rejects referendum on Turkey's EU bid

The French Senate early this week rejected a proposed constitutional change for a public referendum on Turkey's European Union membership. The proposal, already passed by France's lower house, had stipulated a direct referendum over the membership of countries whose population exceeds 5 percent of the EU's total population. Following the Senate's rejection, the constitutional amendment package will be sent back to the lower house. Senate's Foreign Affairs Committee warned last week that a referendum might give the impression that France has directly targeted one of its allies. It might cripple diplomatic ties between Turkey and France, added the committee. Debate over the proposal will be concluded at a joint session with the lower house next month.