No: 283, 8 November 2016

The statement of Federica Mogherini, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, released today (8 November) on Turkey cannot be accepted.

The EU has not given the expected support to Turkey and has adopted a prejudiced attitude since the attempted coup. Unfortunately, the EU still insists on not understanding the sensitivities of Turkey regarding the fight against terrorism. The EU should comprehend that by condemning terrorist attacks in Turkey, it cannot escape from its responsibilities on this issue.

The EU can neither make a clear call to PKK to lay down arms, nor object to terrorists’ free movement, carrying out propaganda and acts against Turkey in EU countries. Moreover, the EU has even allowed PKK to open exhibitions in the corridors of the European Parliament, and depicted terrorism as an armed struggle, when Turkey is the subject. Thus, the EU has already lost its credibility and reputation for the Turkish people regarding the fight against terrorism.

For this reason, such statements have no value for Turkey.