Austrian Chancellor: Immediately stop negotiations on Turkey's EU accession

Since July 1st Austria has assumed the EU presidency, and according to Austrian Chancellor Austria aims to integrate the Balkans and improve relations with Turkey, Periscopi writes.

The Western Balkans is a top priority Austrian and European policy, as well as our EU presidency”, Kurte said in an interview for the Athenian newspaper “Katimerin”.

He has continued by saying that he supports the “expansion of Commissioner Johannes Hahn” because, according to him, “enabling the Western Balkans a promotional path towards the EU serves our security, policies and economic interest”.

For four years I was very clear to have a mutual relationship with Turkey. EU-Turkey negotiations would have to stop immediately because Turkey has consistently distanced from Europe and its values in recent years”, Kurz has continued.

“would need to find other forms of co-operation with Turkey, as neighbours”.

Kurz has also backed the agreement between Greece and Macedonia on name disputes. /Periscopi/