Azerbaijan, Baku / corr Trend A.Gasimova / Domoniqio Moizy, senior adviser at the French Institute of International Relations, said in a telephone conversation that the relationships between France and Azerbaijan will not change after the election of the new President. "I do not see any serious changes in the relationship with Azerbaijan. France will change its position on Azerbaijan and it also concerns Russia,' he emphasized.
On 19 March, the Constitution Council of France announced the commencement of the presidential elections and released the names of 12 candidates The leading candidates were Nicolas Sarkozy, the conservative front-runner; Segolene Royal of the Socialist Party; Francois Bayrou, a centrist latecomer and Jean-Marie Le Pen of the far-right National Front.
On the 22 April, the first round vote, Sarkozy gained 31.2% of votes and Royal 25.9%. They passed to the second round of polls scheduled for 9 May. As a result of the second round of polls with the participation of 86% of voters, Sakozi took a decisive victory. He won 53% of the votes. The newly elected President will take office on 16 May.
"I do not think Sarkozy will change anything in France's relationships with foreign countries. At present Sarkozy's priority is the establishment of the Mediterranean Union and Turkey is also proposing to join this union. However, Turkey is keen on entering the European Union and nothing else, even the Mediterranean Union. Talks over Turkey's entrance to the European Union have been carried out for 14 years and it is in progress even now. Moreover, along with relationships with Turkey the relationships with other countries will not change, while changes are possible in the style of relationships but not the essence," he said.
During televised debates the candidate to the presidency, Sarkozy, stated that on election to the post of President of France he will hinder Ankara's entrance to the European Union. "Unlimited expansion of the EU will mean the death of the political integration of Europe," he stated.
Moizi noted that the newly-elected President's key priorities are focused on the country's internal affairs. He wants to establish a more flexible economic system with a prevailing liberal economy. At the same time he is eager to upgrade the country.