Turkey blasts EU remarks for failing to address crisis

ANKARA

Turkey's Foreign Ministry Tuesday slammed top EU officials’ "short-sighted" statements on the crisis over EU countries’ recent blockade of Turkish government ministers.

"The EU's statements, instead of pressing countries who violate diplomatic agreements and laws, are calling on our country to refrain from excessive statements and actions, thus paving the way for xenophobia and anti-Turkish moves," said the ministry in a statement.

The ministry added that statements by EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini and Commissioner for Enlargement Negotiations Johannes Hahn "include incorrect evaluations of the issue and try to link separate matters."

The ministry also said that instead of sending a "strong message" to countries which violate the Vienna Convention and the European Convention of Human Rights, EU countries are "hiding behind the excuse of countries’ solidarity to protect the Netherlands," which blocked the ministers, after similar actions by Germany.

It added, "The EU's statements are short-sighted and have no value for our country."

The 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations lays out rules to ensure that diplomats can carry out their duties without fear of coercion or harassment by the host country.

On Saturday Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu was refused permission to land in the Netherlands and Family and Social Affairs Minister Fatma Betul Sayan Kaya was deported from the country after being blocked from entering Turkey’s Consulate in Rotterdam.

When Turkish citizens in Rotterdam tried to peacefully protest, they were met by police using batons, dogs and water cannons, in what some analysts called a disproportionate use of force.

The incidents drew strong criticism from Ankara, including diplomatic notes sent to the Netherlands in protest.

On Monday the EU’s Mogherini and Hahn said it “is essential to avoid further escalation and find ways to calm down the situation”.

In a statement, they said: “Decisions with regard to the holding of meetings and rallies in Member States are a matter for the Member State concerned, in accordance with the applicable provisions of international and national law.

"The European Union calls on Turkey to refrain from excessive statements and actions that risk further exacerbating the situation. Matters of concern can only be resolved through open and direct communication channels.”