Nicolas Sarkozy and Angela Merkel's latest statement on Turkey is not a novelty, Director of the Institute of Oriental Studies at the RA Academy of Sciences, Dr Ruben Safrastyan told a PanARMENIAN.Net reporter.

"The decision will be made by the European Commission which has not stopped membership talks. France and Germany are opposed by the UK and Denmark. Moreover, most of Eastern European states, being strongly influenced by the U.S., support Turkey's bid. The fact is that the U.S. by all means tries to hold Turley as an ally and lobbies its interests in the European Union.

Addressing a UMP conference, French President Nicolas Sarkozy and German Chancellor Angela Merkel have reaffirmed their opposition to full membership of Turkey in the European Union.

"I would like to be accepted as a friend of Turkey. However, I have to state that there is no place for Turkey in the EU because it's located in Asia Minor," Sarkozy said. "We should not be tempted into thinking that all European neighboring countries must become members of European Union. If we keep expanding the European Union we will destroy the policy in Europe."