Sarkozy: EU is primarily for Europeans

French President Nicolas Sarkozy on Tuesday addressed Turkey's bid to join the EU by saying that the organization "must first unite the European family". "Removing reservations" toward Turkey's European perspective would not make Europe's tasks easier in the current crisis, he was quoted as saying. Sarkozy: EU is primarily for Europeans "We just welcomed Croatia. The opening toward Serbia is a perspective. Let's first bring together the European family, before asking questions about those outside of Europe," Sarkozy told the Paris daily Le Monde. The French president noted that he was still as reserved toward Turkey joining the EU as before: "The European Union is primarily for the European contient. As far as I'm aware, our Turkish friends, a great power, great nation, are mostly located in Asia Minor." Sarkozy added that he wished to establish the best relations with Turkey and that the country should play a role as a link betwen East and West. "I wish we had the best relations with Turkey. Is it in its interest for this role as a bridge between the two sides to join one side? I think it would weaken its role," he was quoted as saying. Turkey started its EU membership negotiations in 2005, but the process has been blocked for a year. The country was given the status of candidate for EU membership 12 years ago. Nicolas Sarkozy (Tanjug/AP, file)

Sarkozy: EU is primarily for Europeans

"We just welcomed Croatia. The opening toward Serbia is a perspective. Let's first bring together the European family, before asking questions about those outside of Europe," Sarkozy told the Paris daily Le Monde.

The French president noted that he was still as reserved toward Turkey joining the EU as before:

"The European Union is primarily for the European contient. As far as I'm aware, our Turkish friends, a great power, great nation, are mostly located in Asia Minor."

Sarkozy added that he wished to establish the best relations with Turkey and that the country should play a role as a link betwen East and West.

"I wish we had the best relations with Turkey. Is it in its interest for this role as a bridge between the two sides to join one side? I think it would weaken its role," he was quoted as saying.

Turkey started its EU membership negotiations in 2005, but the process has been blocked for a year. The country was given the status of candidate for EU membership 12 years ago.