Turkey has role in Europe, EU ambassador says

By Nazli Yuzbasioglu

ANKARA (AA) - Turkey has a part to play in Europe, the EU’s top representative in the country said on Europe Day.

“I guess this is a sign of Turkey being a part of Europe,” Christian Berger, the head of the EU delegation to Turkey, told Anadolu Agency in an interview Tuesday.

Referring to recent strains in relations between Ankara and Brussels, the ambassador added: “Our relations are always a hot topic. This justifies the reciprocal significance of both parties. Otherwise, we wouldn’t communicate with each other.”

Berger also stressed the importance of dialogue between Turkey and the union. “We overcame problems in the past,” he said. “We should do the same now by fostering close relations and talking.”

He praised “strong cooperation between Turkey and Europe in various areas” such as cultural activities and counter-terrorism.

In recent months Turkish leaders have taken an increasingly hardline against what they see as the EU's double standards in excluding Turkey, also accusing it of racism and supporting terrorists.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has suggested a referendum may be held on whether to continue Turkey's EU accession bid, as well as a poll on reintroducing the death penalty, a development that would kill Turkey's EU membership bid.