Negative statements by EU a reflection of Islamophobia, says Turkish FM

“Negative statements by EU officials are the reflection of the rising Islamophobia and anti-Turkey [campaign] in Europe,” Çavuşoğlu said, while speaking at a joint press conference with his Maltese counterpart in the capital Ankara, adding that the EU leaders chose populism with regards to their remarks over Turkey.

Çavuşoğlu said that the country could definitely go to a referendum if the EU accession process was stalled, toning in line with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who said the country could hold a referendum to join the union.

He said the referendum did not mean blackmailing the EU but consulting the public.

The minister also added that the country would not revise its terror law for the sake of visa-liberation.

Çavuşoğlu said that Chapter 33 would be opened on June 30 in Brussels, adding that he would discuss with his EU counterparts what the sides could do in order to overcome the differences regarding the EU deal.

Meanwhile, Çavuşoğlu called visits by non-military committees and politicians to Turkey’s İncirlik Air Base “inappropriate.”

The minister also added that cooperation with the Syrian regime which caused the death of 500,000 people was out of the question.