Turkish EU minister says would threaten security to change terror laws

Record ID: 163110

  • Title: Turkish EU minister says would threaten security to change terror laws
  • Date: 4th January 2017
  • Summary: ANKARA, TURKEY (JANUARY 4, 2017) (REUTERS) TURKISH MINISTER FOR EUROPEAN UNION AFFAIRS, OMER CELIK, AND BRITISH MINISTER FOR EUROPE, ALAN DUNCAN, ARRIVING FOR A NEWS CONFERENCE OFFICIALS LISTENING (SOUNDBITE) (Turkish) TURKISH EU MINISTER, OMER CELIK, SAYING: "Turkey shares a 1295 kilometer (805 miles) long border with Syria and Iraq. Asking a country that faces attacks like that on Reina recently, to change its anti-terror laws would put both Turkey's and Europe's security in danger. This is not the right approach." OFFICIALS LISTENING (SOUNDBITE) (Turkish) TURKISH EU MINISTER, OMER CELIK, SAYING: "This is a strategic decision. As a sovereign country, we are in a position to maintain the security both in our country and Europe. Therefore we cannot make security compromises. We secure democracy and the rule of law. A solution could be found if wanted but if not, the process can come to a stalemate by making excuses. We will see if this process continues with excuses or with a realistic background. " OFFICIALS LISTENING CELIK AND DUNCAN SEATED
  • Embargoed: 19th January 2017 12:56
  • Keywords: Turkey attack gunman gunfire. wounded casualties nightclub gun attack Reina club Turkish EU Minister Omer Celik
  • Location: ANKARA, TURKEY
  • City: ANKARA, TURKEY
  • Country: Turkey
  • Topics: Government/Politics
  • Reuters ID: LVA0015XO1AO7
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Story Text:Turkey's EU Minister Omer Celik said on Wednesday (January 04) changing the country's anti-terror laws would pose a threat to its security, reiterating Ankara's position that Brussels should not expect it to change its stance.
    The European Union wants Turkey to amend its anti-terror laws in order for Turks to gain visa-free travel to Europe, part of a wider deal struck last year under which Turkey is helping to stem the flow of refugees and illegal migrants to Europe.
  • Copyright Holder: REUTERS
  • Copyright Notice: (c) Copyright Thomson Reuters 2017. Open For Restrictions - http://about.reuters.com/fulllegal.asp
  • Usage Terms/Restrictions: None
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