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08:39, 19-Aug-2017
Turkish PM denies pushing for Customs Union update with EU
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Turkey is not pushing for an update of the Customs Union agreement with the European Union, Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said on Friday.
His remarks came amid a war of words between Turkey and Germany over recent remarks by German Chancellor Angela Merkel suggesting Berlin would not pursue expansion of the deal.
Renewing the Customs Union is not an issue Germany can decide on unilaterally, Yildirim said, adding that Ankara will make a decision based on the national interests.
Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim /AFP Photo
Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim /AFP Photo
"Turkey is not in the mood to suggest to change the Customs Union as soon as possible," he said.
Merkel said on Wednesday that Germany would not change or update the customs union deal with Turkey and that Germany had lowered membership preparation aid "to a minimum" for Turkey to join the EU.
Her remarks fueled already strained ties between the two countries.
People shout slogans during a protest in front of the Dutch Consulate in Istanbul, March 12, 2017. /Reuters Photo
People shout slogans during a protest in front of the Dutch Consulate in Istanbul, March 12, 2017. /Reuters Photo
The Customs Union agreement between Turkey and the EU entered into force in 1995 and covers all industrial goods but does not include agriculture, services or public procurement.
The European Commission last December asked the European Council for a mandate to launch talks with Ankara to upgrade the existing agreement.
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Source(s): Reuters
,Xinhua News Agency