'Political obstacles' hinder EU membership talks: Turkish FM

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Turkey expects full EU membership but it faces "political obstacles," Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Thursday.

The top Turkish diplomat made the remarks following a meeting with senior EU officials, including EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini and EU Neighborhood Policy Minister Johannes Hahn, in Ankara.

Speaking at a joint news conference following the meeting, Cavusoglu said that making statements while excluding Turkey in the EU accession process or denying its candidacy is of "no use," the Anadolu Agency reported.

Cavusoglu underscored that the political obstacles created by the bloc are hindering not only Turkey but also the growth, prosperity and political stability of the EU.

EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini holds a press conference in Brussels, Belgium, November 20, 2018. /VCG Photo

Mogherini said the EU welcomes Turkey's decision to work to intensify its relations with EU, adding Turkey is a key strategic partner for the bloc.

Meanwhile, the EU's top diplomat expressed her "strong concerns" over last week's detention of several prominent academics and activists in Turkey.

Mogherini called on Ankara to release Turkey's former pro-Kurdish party leader Selahattin Demirtas soon.

Hahn said the negotiations on Turkey's EU membership gained momentum and Turkey's constructive attitude for joining the bloc was important for the talks.

However, Cavusoglu rejected Mogherini's call, dismissing it as "meaningless."

"We expect more concrete support from the EU member states in our anti-terrorism efforts," he added.

Turkey has been a candidate for EU membership since 1997, but accession talks have been deadlocked since 2005.

Source(s): Xinhua News Agency