Germany, EU should not be blackmailed by Turkey on visa talks: Gabriel
The German Vice Chancellor responded to demands made by the Turkish Foreign Minister for visa-free travel for nationals
Germany and the European Union should not be blackmailed by Turkey in talks on visa liberalization for Turkish nationals, German Vice Chancellor Sigmar Gabriel said on Monday.
“It is up to Turkey if there is or there isn't visa liberalization” Gabriel said during a trip to northern Germany. “Germany and Europe should under no circumstances be blackmailed.”
Gabriel also welcomed a decision by Germany's highest court to prevent Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan from addressing via video-link a rally in Cologne on Sunday.
Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said in remarks published at the weekend that Ankara would back out of its agreement with the EU to stem the flow of migrants into the bloc if the EU doesn't deliver visa-free travel for Turks.
Visa-free access to the EU - the main reward for Ankara's role in choking off an influx of migrants into Europe - has been subject to delays due to a dispute over Turkish anti-terrorism legislation and Ankara's crackdown after a failed coup.
Also Read
-
Turkey: All criteria met for visa-free travel to Europe
The country’s foreign minister says it was important for Turkey to retain momentum in EU talks Middle East -
Turkey visa-free travel deal with EU stalls
Once Turkey has fulfilled the conditions laid down, the European Parliament would still have to give its approval to the deal Middle East -
EU official: Turkey makes progress in visa-free travel talks
Turkey must meet 72 conditions to get the visa waiver, and European Commission World News -
Russian and Turkish FMs hold first meeting since ties repaired
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov met his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu for the first time Middle East
