European Parliament (EP) Socialists and Democrats Group President Goani Pittella held a press conference and stated that the developments in Turkey had nothing to do with democracy or state of law. Pitella said that the AKP government could take precautions against coup plotters but the ongoing pressures, arrests, and witch-hunt had nothing to do with democracy, state of law or human rights. Pitella expressed concern over the future of Turkey, and said the government should forget about Turkish citizens’ visa-free travel within Europe.

'TURKEY MUST GIVE UP CURRENT POLICIES'

EP Greens Group Co-President Rebecca Harms stated that Turkey’s arrest of thousands of Kurdish politicians, journalists and intellectuals was unacceptable at a time when the EU was expecting Turkey to democratize and resolve the Kurdish issue.

EP Left Group representative also called upon Turkey to give up its policy of arresting elected mayors, journalists and thousands of civil servants, as well as its strategy of conflict with the Kurds in Rojava and the PKK. The representatives called upon the EU to take concrete steps on these issues.

EU TO DISCUSS TURKEY

High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission Federica Mogherini is expected to address the EP General Council this evening and make a statement about the EU’s stance and policies against the recent developments in Turkey.