20 members of the European Parliament have sent a letter to the European Commissioner for Foreign Affairs, Baroness Catherine Ashton, in which they demand that the European Union should officially condemn Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's recent Zionism remarks.
Prime Minister Erdogan claimed that Zionism is an ideology of violence similar to fascism. The statement immediately caused an international row.
"We are deeply concerned about Erdogan's remarks and have to express our indigation. As a democratic society we should support the state of Israel and condemn all, who denouce its right to exist. That was what Prime Minister Erdogan did, when he compared Zionism with fascism," the letter reads.
"Zionism is a belief in the right of the Jewish people to establish a state in their native land. No one can deprive them of this right. Erdogan's remarks are especially deplorable as his country is trying to join the European Union. Erdogan should explain himself for this act of hatred," the European lawmakers write.
Israeli experts underlined that this statement is the first one in the history of the EU. For the first time so many MPs supported Israel. The move shows that Turkey won't probably join the body any time soon.
Pyotr Lyukimson reporting from Israel. Exclusively to VK
European lawmakers condemn Erdogan's Zionism remarks
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