Turkish opposition accuses government of intention to spoil ties with NATO
By Trend
The Turkish opposition People's Republican Party accuses the country's government of deliberate spoiling relations with NATO, the Turkish media reported on November 20.
Reportedly, deputy chairman of the party’s parliamentary group Engin Altay said that the Turkish government has always looked for opportunities to spoil relations with NATO.
Altay added the incident between NATO and Turkey is a theatrical performance, which is of interest only to the Turkish government.
“It is time to reconsider the issue of Turkey's membership in NATO,” Yalcin Topcu, chief advisor to the Turkish president said Nov. 20 while commenting on the incident between NATO and Turkey.
“The Turkish parliament must consider the issue of Ankara's membership in NATO as soon as possible,” he said.
Earlier, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that the country withdrew its servicemen participating in NATO exercises in Norway.
The reason is that photos of Turkey’s incumbent president, as well as first president Mustafa Kemal Ataturk were placed as conditional enemy images on the shooting range as part of the military exercises.
Erdogan added that such behavior does not correspond to the spirit of cooperation and alliance between Turkey and NATO.
The Turkish president said that around 40 Turkish servicemen were to participate in the exercises.
Meanwhile, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg apologized to Turkey in connection with the scandal that occurred during the NATO exercises in Norway.
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