Blackmail of European countries, first of all France, by Turkey is very strong, Armenian Vice-Speaker Vahan Hovhannisyan stated at a news conference in Yerevan, when commenting on the threats by Turkey against the French Parliament against the possible adoption of the law criminalizing denial of the Armenian Genocide. In his words, EU member states are well aware what awaits for them in case that country joins the EU. "Turkey is more dangerous to Europe, than Croatia or Bulgaria. The European Constitution was not adopted in Holland and France just due to these countries being afraid of Turkish presence. However, Turkey has no money to pursue its policy thus it resorts to blackmail,» Hovhannisyan remarked.

As for the statement of French Minister of the Interior Nicolas Sarkozy that Turkey's place is not in the EU, the Vice-Speaker noted that he had expressed the viewpoint of the majority of France's population. «He is a very popular politician and an obvious presidential hopeful. He speaks on behalf of his constituents and their number is enough not to admit Turkey to the EU,» Hovhannisyan underscored.