PRESIDENT SARKOZY CALLS FOR IMPROVED RELATIONS WITH ANKARA...BUT STILL OPPOSES EUROPEAN UNION MEMBERSHIP FOR TURKEY

Both Radio Free Europe and the International Herald Tribune, among others, report that Jean-David Levitte, chief international advisor to newly-elected French President Nicholas Sarkozy, flew to Turkey over the weekend to discuss French-Turkish relations, including Turkey's European Union membership bid.

While a candidate for the Presidency Mr. Sarkozy expressed strong reservations regarding Ankara's drive to enter the E.U., arguing that most of Turkey's territory is in Asia and that the idea of a united Europe would be diluted if its borders stretched that far. Sarkozy's opponent in the election, Ms. Segolene Royal, a Socialist Party candidate, favored Turkey's admittance into the E.U.

Most E.U. member nations also are in favor of Turkey's admittance to the organization.