Yep. France — the masters of diplomacy. Their leader did not, and does not, seem to have much of an issue with Iran or Iraq under Hussein. Apparently it is different when France might be negatively affected.

French President Jacques Chirac said Tuesday that Turkey would need to undergo a "major cultural revolution" before entering the European Union, and he reiterated that France would hold a referendum on admitting Ankara to the bloc.

The comments by Chirac represented the tough road ahead in Turkey's membership in the 25—nation EU. It took last—minute wrangling after two days of arduous talks between EU foreign ministers to overcome Austrian objections to start the negotiations.

Ed Lasky   10 05 05