French minister advocates for jailed journalist in Turkey
Sep 14, 2017
France's foreign minister calls on Turkey's government to respect European Union values and to work to improve its strained relations with other EU nations
ANKARA, Turkey — France's foreign minister is calling on Turkey's government to respect European Union values and to work to improve its strained relations with Germany and other EU nations.
Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said at a news conference with his Turkish counterpart in Ankara on Thursday that France does not want to see a "rupture" in Turkey's connection to the European bloc.
Le Drian also called for a swift trial for jailed French journalist Loup Bureau, who has been jailed in Turkey since July 26 on suspicion of terrorism.
Le Drian says Turkish leaders agreed to improve the conditions under which Bureau is being held and to allow the journalist family visits.
Turkey has accused Bureau of aiding and assisting a terrorist organization for reporting on Kurds living near the Iraq border.
