France’s Macron calls for dialogue with Turkey, Russia

ANKARA

French President Emmanuel Macron has called on European countries to maintain dialogue with Turkey and Russia, while urging the EU not to discriminate them despite their poor human rights records.

“Today, we are in a situation in which several member states do not respect the terms of the [European Human Rights] Convention in a clear manner. For example, with Turkey and Russia, which are not the only examples, the risk is evident,” Macron said on Oct. 31 in his address to European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) judges and permanent representatives of the 47 member states of the Council of Europe in Strasbourg.

But Macron stressed on the need to include these countries in international discussions.

“Nothing is gained from discriminating those who don’t respect fundamental rights nor those who wish to turn their backs to their own history,” he said.

In his address to the ECHR judges, Macron spoke about the danger of “illiberal democracy fascination,” warning that it may collectively weaken them if they cannot deal with it effectively.

Macron said his country will do its best to redefine their roles and ensure their engagement with democracy.

France will preside over the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe from May 2019 to November 2019.