Counter-terror cooperation can rebuild Turkey, EU ties

By Ata Ufuk Seker

BRUSSELS (AA) - Counter-terrorism cooperation can rebuild confidence in Turkey-European Union ties, according to the permanent delegate of Turkey to the bloc Wednesday.

Speaking at a panel titled “Turkey-EU Refugee Cooperation” organized by the Economic Development Foundation in capital Brussels, Faruk Kaymakci said: “Confidence in relations between Turkey and the EU can be rebuilt through cooperation in counter-terrorism.”

Kaymakci emphasized on the perception in Turkey that the EU “does not help Turkey enough” in its fight against the PKK/PYD terror group and Fethullah Terrorist Organization (FETO).

He called for more support from the EU in Turkey’s fight against terrorism.

The PKK is listed as a terrorist organization in Turkey, the U.S., and the EU. In its three-decade-plus terror campaign against Turkey, more than 40,000 people, including several women and children have been killed.

Since the group resumed its armed campaign in July 2015, more than 1,200 people, including security personnel and civilians, have lost their lives.

FETO and its U.S.-based leader Fetullah Gulen orchestrated the defeated coup attempt of July 15, 2016 which left 250 people martyred and nearly 2,200 injured.