Development agency slams Europe's Turkey vote

VIENNA

The president of a Turkish development agency hit out Saturday at European lawmakers’ decision this week to urge a freeze on EU membership talks with Turkey.

Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) head, Serdar Cam, accused the European Parliament of trying to “discipline” Turkey.

“Regardless of opening, closing or halting [EU accession] chapters, the Turkish people, the Turkish state and the Turkish government will not be disciplined or shaped according to their [EU’s] own standards,” Cam told Anadolu Agency.

Cam made his remarks during an official visit to the Austrian capital Vienna.

He said Turkey had made significant strides in humanitarian aid, investment, trade, economy and the fight against terrorism in recent years but had been criticized instead of being praised.

Referring to the recent decision by the Austrian parliament to ban the export of military equipment to Turkey, Cam said rises and falls in such relationships would only harm the country concerned.

"Today, it's not even a matter of discussion for Turkey to be exposed to some embargo," Cam said.

The TIKA head warned that any trouble for Turkey would become more serious trouble for the EU.

Cam said European countries were leaving Turkey's accomplishments behind and acting against their own interests in allowing anti-Turkish propaganda by illegal organizations to take place in their territories.

Reporting by Hasan Tosun and Askin Kiyagan; Writing by Sibel Uğurlu;