French presidential candidate Gil Taieb failed to visit Turkey and meet with local French community during his campaign due to his position on Israel and the Armenian Genocide.

After successful trips to Greece and Israel, Taieb had to travel to Istanbul, JSSNews reports.

It was his second trip to Turkey but it was postponed because of his “active position on Israel and the army, as well as support for the Armenian Genocide recognition, a source told JSSNews.

A source close to Taieb said he is determined to protect republican values, his commitments and freedom wherever he is.