EU: Turkey 'most reliable' partner in region
Baku, June 13, AZERTAC
European Council President Donald Tusk has hailed enhanced cooperation between the EU and Turkey amid criticism by opposition politicians and the media, according to Anadolu Agency.
“Yes, Turkey is a difficult partner, but the most reliable one in the region,” Tusk said in an interview with German daily Bild, published on Monday.
“The country is facing a difficult situation: weekly terrorist attacks; unsafe borders with Syria; Iraq and Iran. Plus over two million refugees in the country. That is why we have to offer [Turkey] both solidarity but also criticism,” he said.
Tusk emphasized that the EU would not accept violations of the freedom of press and opinion, and will continue to raise such issues in talks with Ankara.
The EU-Turkey refugee deal was hammered out by European and Turkish leaders in March, and was strongly backed by German Chancellor Angela Merkel.
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