"We Will Explain Turkey's Strategic Importance To France", Navarro

MADRID - "Countries that support Turkey (in its bid to join the EU) like Spain, Italy, Britain and the U.S., will explain Turkey`s strategic importance to France," Spanish State Secretary for the European Union Alberto Navarro told the A.A regarding new French President Nicolas Sarkozy`s antagonistic remarks over Turkey`s membership.
"We hope Sarkozy`s perspective will change in the course of time. We, as Spain, are a supporting country for Turkey in its bid to join the bloc. We will work for Turkey`s progress towards the EU family," Navarro said.
Pointing out political developments and upcoming general elections in Turkey, Navarro said they wanted Turkey`s negotiations with the EU go forward without being affected by these developments.
"However, we can not hide our concerns," Navarro added.
Navarro also added that Turkey`s goal to privatize electricity sector till 2011 is closely monitored by Spain, stating that they support Turkey`s move.