Merkel refuses Greece's arms embargo bid against Turkey

German Chancellor Angela Merkel rejected Greece's request today to impose an EU arms embargo on Turkey, underlining Berlin's strategic commitments within the NATO alliance.

“Cases concerning exports and arms shipments should be discussed within the NATO coalition”, she said, adding that most EU members were also members of the defence alliance, the ATS reported.

During yesterday's discussion, a majority of European leaders rejected an arms embargo or strict economic sanctions, choosing instead a softer approach.

Merkel said they will continue their discussion on Turkey in coming weeks and that her government will expect a report by EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell on Turkey's relations - The EU before making any further assessment of the issue.