Strasbourg — The European Parliament on Thursday voted to freeze membership talks with Turkey over its "disproportionate" post-coup crackdown, further escalating tension with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Turkey immediately branded the non-binding vote "null and void", while Erdogan had already said in his latest broadside against the European Union that the result was worthless. Most EU states want to keep the Turkey talks on track, but the vote by a large majority of MEPs will only add to the bad blood in the wake of the July 15 failed putsch. The motion was approved by 479 votes to 37, with 107 abstentions. Legislators voting in Strasbourg, France, said the parliament "strongly condemns the disproportionate repressive measures taken in Turkey since the failed military coup attempt". They said they remained "committed to keeping Turkey anchored to the EU" but said that parliament "calls on the European Commission and the member states, however, to initiate a temporary freeze of ...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.