Turkey welcomes European Parliament decision to ban PKK-linked groups’ access

ANKARA

Turkey has welcomed a decision taken by the European Parliament that denies terrorist organizations and related groups access to its premises.

The decision comes amid strained ties over a number of recent official events in which outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) sympathizers were able to freely use the parliament’s facilities.

“We welcome the decision of the Bureau of the European Parliament (EP) that denies access to terrorist organizations listed as such by the EU, including the PKK and other groups involved in terrorist activities against Turkey. According to the said decision, individuals representing these groups cannot be invited to the European Parliament, nor shall these groups be allowed to be promoted on the premises of the EP,” read a statement issued by the Foreign Ministry late on Nov. 23.

“This decision constitutes a step forward in line with the EU’s international obligations in the field of combatting terrorism. We will closely monitor the implementation of the EP’s decision,” it added.