Counterterrorism cooperation can rebuild Turkish-EU ties


Cooperation in counterterrorism efforts can rebuild the confidence in Turkey-European Union ties, the permanent delegate of Turkey to the bloc said Wednesday.

Speaking at the panel "Turkey-EU Refugee Cooperation" organized by the Economic Development Foundation in Brussels, Faruk Kaymakçı said, "Confidence in the relations between Turkey and the EU can be rebuilt through cooperation in counterterrorism."

Kaymakçı emphasized the general feeling in Turkey that the EU "does not help Turkey enough" in its fight against the PKK's Syrian wing, the Democratic Union Party (PYD), and Gülenist Terror Group (FETÖ). He called for more support from the EU in Turkey's fight against terrorism.

Meanwhile, the European Parliament (EP) endorsed parliament on Wednesday head of Antonio Tajani's proposal to "systematically deny access to all persons, groups or entities" involved with terror organizations.According to a statement, members of the EP and political groups were told not to invite the people listed in the council's decision or individuals representing entities or groups on that list and to refrain from facilitating their access to parliament.

"In case of doubt or the possible presence or promotion on parliament's premises of any of the persons, entities, groups or individuals affiliated with them, please contact the Directorate General for Security and Risk Assessment," the statement reads.

Turkey often criticizes the European Union's reluctance to prevent rallies and events related to the PKK terror group in Europe, accusing the bloc of being indifferent to terror groups.

The PKK is listed as a terrorist organization in Turkey, the U.S., and the EU. In its three-decade-plus terror campaign against Turkey, more than 40,000 people, including several women and children, have been killed.