A Non Perhaps?

With an uncharacteristic sense of humour, Jacques Chirac has set the date for the French referendum.

"The president of the republic has decided that the referendum on the European constitution will take place May 29, 2005," a statement from his Elysee palace said.

With the subject of Turkish Membership the biggest EU issue for French voters, the choice of day is not perhaps the most favourable. It is the anniversary of a very major event in history.

Constantinople and the Byzantine Empire finally fell to the Ottoman Empire on May 29, 1453. The Ottoman Turks called the city Stamboul or Istanbul.

I can see certain sections of France’s political tribe making hay with this one. Perhaps Mr President should have checked with the historians first.