France’s stance toward Ankara’s prospective EU membership has not changed despite the contrasting economic fortunes of the crisis-hit union and a dynamic Turkey, French President Nicolas Sarkozy has said.

“You know, my reservations have not changed. Even if we raised these reservations, in the situation of crisis, I do not think it would ease the task of Europe,” Sarkozy said in an interview French daily Le Monde.

“We just welcomed Croatia. The opening in Serbia is a perspective. First let’s unite the European family before asking questions about those outside of Europe,” Sarkozy said, reiterating his view that Turkey was not a European country.

“The European Union is primarily for the European continent. To my knowledge, our Turkish friends – [a] great power, great nation – are mainly in Asia Minor,” he said.

“I wish we had the best relations with Turkey, of course. In my mind, it has an important role to play in the world, a role of a bridge between East and West. Is it in its interest for this role as a bridge between the two sides to join one side? I think it would weaken the role,” Sarkozy said, Hurriyet Daily News reported.