- Title: Turkey's Erdogan says NATO should do more on intelligence sharing
- Date: 24th May 2017
- Summary: ANKARA, TURKEY (MAY 24, 2017) (REUTERS) TURKISH PRESIDENT TAYYIP ERDOGAN ARRIVING FOR NEWS CONFERENCE OFFICIALS LISTENING (SOUNDBITE) (Turkish) TURKISH PRESIDENT, TAYYIP ERDOGAN, SAYING: "Solidarity is the antidote to terrorism. Instant sharing is obligatory for intelligence. NATO should be more active and it should stand in solidarity with allies in the fight against terrorism." OFFICIALS LISTENING (SOUNDBITE) (Turkish) TURKISH PRESIDENT, TAYYIP ERDOGAN, SAYING: "We have no inclination to break away from the European Union. But the European Union should also fulfill its own responsibilities. The European Union has no right to treat Turkey like a beggar at its door." OFFICIALS LISTENING (SOUNDBITE) (Turkish) TURKISH PRESIDENT, TAYYIP ERDOGAN, SAYING WHEN ASKED ABOUT POSSIBLE WITHDRAWAL OF TROOPS STATIONED AT INCIRLIK AIR FORCE BASE: "We haven't received any information on this. As a matter of fact, recently, German officials said this is not on their agenda. But if they take this decision, it is not a big deal for us. If they go, we would say 'goodbye'. (Reporter asking about Gulenist military officers seeking asylum in Germany.) Those military officers are Germany's problem. If Germany continues to do this, they are used to welcoming terrorists and they would be taking 10 more terrorists." CAMERAMEN FILMING ERDOGAN LEAVING
- Embargoed: 7th June 2017 16:29
- Keywords: intelligence sharing terrorism Tayyip Erdogan President summit NATO Turkey
- Location: ANKARA, TURKEY
- City: ANKARA, TURKEY
- Country: Turkey
- Topics: NATO,Government/Politics
- Reuters ID: LVA0016I78L6V
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text: Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Wednesday (May 24) NATO allies should cooperate more closely in the fight against terrorism and that rapid information sharing was crucial.
Erdogan, speaking in Ankara before flying to Brussels for a summit of NATO leaders and a meeting with European Union leaders, also said Turkey was not seeking to break with the EU but that the bloc must fulfill its own responsibilities.
Turkey's relations with NATO and the EU have been strained by differences over Syria policy with the United States and by open disagreements with European leaders during last month's referendum which granted Erdogan sweeping new powers.
Erdogan also said Turkey would tell Germany "goodbye" if it decided to withdraw its troops from the Incirlik air force base.
Erdogan added that Turkey had not received any indication from Berlin on the possible withdrawal of troops stationed at the southern Turkish air force base.
The future of the German troops at Incirlik has been thrown into question after Turkey blocked German lawmakers from visiting the troops this month, prompting Berlin to say it may consider moving the troops. Some 250 German troops are stationed at Incirlik, where they contribute to the U.S.-led fight against Islamic State. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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