Main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) deputy chair Faruk Loğoğlu has called on the European Union “to acknowledge the realities of Turkey with objectivity,” in response to a joint article written by 16 EU foreign ministers. The article praised Turkey as an inspirational example of a secular and democratic country for its neighbors, Hurriyet reports.
“Applauding judicial reforms in Turkey means actually supporting the anti-democratic leanings and practices of the AKP [ruling Justice and Development Party] government. It is high time for the EU to acknowledge the realities of Turkey with objectivity and take a clear stand accordingly. Otherwise, the erosion of Turkish democracy and secularism will continue unabated, with disastrous results for Turkey and for the EU,” Loğoğlu said in his letter.
The joint article titled “The EU and Turkey: Stronger Together,” published on EUObserver on June 28.
The ministers said that Turkey’s EU accession process had played a powerful role in supporting Turkey’s reforms in areas such as civilian control of the military and the independence of the judiciary.
