French vote Sunday elicits range of reactions from Turkish politicians, military

Reactions to Sunday's rejection of the EU Constitution by French voters vary among Turkish politicians and members of the Armed Forces. Here is a sampling of their feelings following news of the vote: Bulent Arinc (Speaker of the Turkish Parliament): I think the referendum results will primarily affect France's inner politics. I don't believe it will affect Turkey in any negative way. Cemil Cicek (Justice Minister): Turkey's economy, politics, and foreign policy all have clear roads. Clearly it was not necessary to have a positive vote on the referendum in order for the October 3 talks to begin.  General Hilmi Ozkok (Commander of the Armed Forces): There is a big problem here. Some governments may be affected by the outcome. But I think the EU is strong enough to overcome the problem.  Haluk Koc (Head MP for the CHP Party): You have to see the rejection of the EU Consitution along with the coming to power of the Christian Democrat Party in Germany. Looking at the line between Berlin and Paris, Turkey has a tough road ahead.  Irfan Gunduz (Head MP for the AKP Party): It would be wrong to interpret what happened Sunday only in terms of Turkey. Turkey will continue on its road towards the EU with the October 3 talks.  Erkan Mumcu (General Leader of the ANAP Party): It is not healthy that the government is saying "this has nothing to do with Turkey."  Gunduz Aktan (retired Ambassador): From the perspective of the French, any possibility of Turkish EU membership has come to an end.Â