Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer calls for an end to Turkey's EU accession talks, urging instead for the development of a mutually beneficial partnership amidst signs of willingness from Turkey to revitalize relations,
gercek news reports.
Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer urged for the official cessation of the negotiation process between Turkey and the European Union (EU), a process that commenced 18 years ago but has been frozen for the last five years. In a candid interview with German newspaper Die Welt, Nehammer emphasized the need for transparency, stating that the EU should openly acknowledge the improbability of Turkey's accession to the union.
"Alternative pathways must be explored for fostering good neighborly relations, and a new partnership grounded in mutual trust and collaboration in economic and political spheres should be established between the EU and Turkey," the Chancellor remarked. He further added that while Austria is in favor of closer relations between Ankara and Brussels, Turkey's full membership in the EU is "absolutely unacceptable" for Austria.
Reiterating Turkey's ongoing importance as a partner for the EU, Nehammer, who also leads the conservative Austrian People's Party (ÖVP), noted that Turkey and Austria are currently collaborating effectively at a bilateral level to enhance relations between the two countries. "We will be meeting with Turkish President Erdoğan in the near future," he mentioned, highlighting the sustained significance of Turkey in the international arena.
Discussing the crisis in Ukraine, Nehammer proposed a ceasefire to alleviate the sufferings endured by the populace following Russia's unlawful invasion. He also advocated for Turkey's inclusion in potential ceasefire and peace negotiations.
