Turkey Could Suspend EU Deals, Warns Erdogan Advisor
Turkey could make "radical decisions" and suspend all of its agreements with the European Union, an advisor to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan warned on Monday.
"We do not expect anything from them (EU)," Yigit Bulut, who advises the president on the economy, told the state-run TRT Haber television.
"Let them continue to apply double standards, let them continue not keeping promises made to Turkish citizens," he said. "But they should know that Turkey will make very radical decisions very soon as long as they maintain their attitude."
Turkey has concluded a deal with the EU to curb the flow of migrants pressing the bloc's gates in exchange for a series of incentives including visa-free travel for Turkish citizens.
But Ankara is obliged to meet a list of 72 criteria -- ranging from biometric passports to respect for human rights -- that were set when Brussels and Ankara first talked about 90-day visa-free travel to the Schengen area.
However, Erdogan has made clear that his government will not change its counter-terror laws -- one of the key demands by Brussels for visa-free travel -- while the army is battling Kurdish militants in the southeast.
"Turkey could review all relations with the EU including the customs union deal," Bulut said.
"Readmission agreements, and all other deals could be suspended. Europe has to keep its promises."
Bulut, a former newspaper commentator, is known as belonging to the more radical wing of Erdogan's advisors.
But the president has in recent weeks stepped up his rhetoric toward Brussels as frustration grows in Ankara over implementation of the migrant deal and Turkey's stalled EU bid.
Source: Agence France Presse
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