Brussels, 21/06/2013 (Agence Europe) - Tension is rising between Germany and Turkey, while the EU must decide on whether or not to open the chapter on regional policy (22) in Turkey's accession process (see EUROPE 10871). Germany's Minister for Foreign Affairs Guido Westerwelle summoned Turkey's ambassador in Berlin on Friday 21 June, after scathing criticism of Berlin from Turkey's Minister for Foreign Affairs Egemen Bagis the previous day. “They are words that have aroused great misunderstanding. It's unacceptable”, said Westerwelle's spokesperson, Andreas Peschke. “Our position will be set out with all the clarity necessary”, he added.
“There is no link between the crackdown on the demonstrations in Turkey that were condemned by Mrs Merkel, and the discussions with the EU. No direct link”, assured Peschke. He nevertheless said that, “of course, everything in life is connected”. Germany is reportedly against the opening of Chapter 22 - as is the Netherlands - although the other member states are said to be in favour, saying that this is about a technical issue.
On 20 June, Bagis stressed that Germany should not use Turkey for Germany's domestic policy ends, and he made reference to the German parliamentary elections on 22 September. “Mrs Merkel should know that those who get involved with Turkey end up in a bad way”, he added, mentioning the defeat of former French president Nicolas Sarkozy in 2012. Sarkozy was against Turkey becoming a member of the EU (our translation throughout). (CG/transl.fl)