Turkey’s Gamble: Crackdown Threatens EU Accession Talks

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Series Details 12.06.13
Publication Date 12/06/2013
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The crackdown against protesters in Istanbul and other Tukish cities in June 2013 by the Turkish government created a dilemma for the EU. The Europeans don't want to tolerate violence against demonstrators, but they also don't want to lose Erdogan as a partner.

Reports of comments and statements made and resolutions adopted by politicians and officials in the EEAS, European Commission and European Parliament during June 2013.

MEPs were deeply concerned at the disproportionate and excessive use of force by Turkish police to break up peaceful and legitimate protests in Istanbul's Gezi Park. In a Resolution adopted on the 13 June 2013, they warned against the use of harsh measures against peaceful protesters and said Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan must take a unifying and conciliatory position.

On the 13 June 2013, the Turkish government reacted furiously to a resolution adopted by the European Parliament, condemning Ankara for not being conciliatory in the face of the protests.

News sources on the 20-21 June 2013 reported that Germany had blocked the start of imminent EU accession talks with Turkey in the wake of the Ankara crackdown. Some Turkish officials suggested this could lead to an irreparable break with the EU.

Source Link Link to Main Source http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/erdogan-crackdown-could-threaten-eu-membership-talks-a-905344.html
Related Links
Deutsche Welle, 13.06.13: Germany urges calm in Turkey http://www.dw.de/germany-urges-calm-in-turkey/a-16877456
ESO: Background information: Turkey protests: Clashes continue despite PM's warning http://www.europeansources.info/record/turkey-protests-clashes-continue-despite-pms-warning/
European Commission: RAPID: SPEECH/13/517: EU-Turkey bound together http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_SPEECH-13-517_en.pdf
ESO: Background information: Van Rompuy sees 'concrete steps' in Turkey's EU bid http://www.europeansources.info/record/van-rompuy-sees-concrete-steps-in-turkeys-eu-bid/
European Commission: RAPID: SPEECH/13/526: Crucial moment in EU-Turkey relations http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_SPEECH-13-526_en.pdf
EU: EEAS: Press Release, A310, Statement by EU High Representative Catherine Ashton on the latest developments in Turkey, European Parliament, Strasbourg http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_Data/docs/pressdata/EN/foraff/137451.pdf
European Commission: DG Enlargement: Countries: Turkey http://ec.europa.eu/enlargement/countries/detailed-country-information/turkey/
EUObserver, 13.06.13: Turkish PM defies EU calls to stop police violence http://euobserver.com/foreign/120491
European Parliament: Press Release, 13.06.13: Unrest in Turkey: MEPs call for reconciliation and warn against harsh measures http://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/pressroom/content/20130607IPR11391/
EurActiv, 14.06.13: Turkish government rages at EU criticism http://www.euractiv.com/enlargement/turkish-government-rages-eu-crit-news-528575
EUObserver, 18.06.13: The future of European Turkey http://euobserver.com/opinion/120523
EUObserver, 21.06.13: EU-Turkey relations on edge after Germany blocks talks http://euobserver.com/enlargement/120595
BBC News, 21.06.13: Germany-Turkey diplomatic row erupts over EU bid http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-23000319
Deutsche Welle, 21.06.13: Turkish ambassador summoned over Merkel criticism http://dw.de/p/18u17
Spiegel Online International, 21.06.13: German-Turkish Spat: Berlin Summons Turkish Ambassador over Merkel Criticism http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/harsh-criticism-of-merkel-berlin-summons-turkish-ambassador-a-907122.html
FT, 24.06.13: Europe and Turkey should keep talking (via PressEurop) http://www.presseurop.eu/en/content/article/3908481-europe-and-turkey-should-keep-talking

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