Off the wire
• Zambia's ruling party says not behind private newspaper closure  • Most Republican voters believe party leaders don't want Trump to be president: survey  • Roundup: UK referendum debate not well presented: business leader  • Interview: China's investment reform to boost global FDI flows: UN official  • Spotlight: Xi's speech bolsters confidence in development of Uzbekistan and beyond  • Debutants Iceland advance with 2-1 win over Austria (updated)  • Ghana's attorney general ordered to produce agreement on Gitmo duo  • 1st LD Writethru: Mine blast rocks diplomatic district in Kabul: official  • Zambia targets zero HIV infection through male circumcision: official  • Russia international Neustaedter to leave Schalke  
You are here: 　 Home

Erdogan says Turkey may vote on negotiations with EU

Xinhua, June 23, 2016 Adjust font size:

Turkey may go to a referendum over whether to continue the accession talks with the European Union (EU), President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Wednesday.

Addressing the graduation ceremony of Fatih Sultan Mehmet Foundation University in Istanbul, Erdogan slammed the European countries for failing to meet their obligations under the EU-Turkey deal seeking to stem the illegal flow of migrants to Europe.

"You are not keeping your promises," he said. "EU does not accept Turkey's membership as the majority of our citizens are Muslims."

Under the deal with Turkey that went into force on March 20, EU agreed on more aid, a visa-free travel for Turks and expedited accession talks in exchange for Ankara's help in controlling the flow of migrants.

"Turkish citizens are not eager for visa-free travel and it is the EU who is after Turkey over fears on what would happen if Syrian refugees arrive at their borders," Erdogan said. Endit