The Mediterranean Union was a European project and at not time was it seen as a substitute for Turkey’s relations with the EU, Jean Pierre Jouyet said in an interview with television channel NTV.
Sarkozy’s proposed union would include all the countries surrounding the Mediterranean, and serve to provide a free trade and co-operation zone.
The Mediterranean Union project is an attempt to boost an action and development plan for the European Union, known as the Lisbon Strategy, Jouyet said, adding that it was important that Turkey be a part of the project.
Jouyet also said that France, which is due to assume the rotating term presidency of the EU in July, would be impartial, fair and balanced on Turkey’s accession bid.
“France will not create any obstacles in the negotiations process with Turkey,” he said.
