Turkey has been a long time ally of the US and it has been exempt from criticism on human rights issues. Turkey has outlawed a number of political parties the government doesn’t approve of and it suppresses the rights of the Kurds.
There is not the political tolerance and adherence to human rights that the other Western European countries abide by. This is one area that Obama needs to stay out of.
From Hurriyet Daily News:
French, Austrian FMs dismiss Obama's backing of Turkey's EU bid
ISTANBUL - It is for the European Union alone to decide whether to make Turkey a member of the bloc, Austria's foreign minister said Tuesday, a day after U.S. President Barack Obama publicly reiterated his backing Ankara's bid. The French FM also dismissed Obama's remarks in support of Turkey's EU bid.
"It's not new. The Bush administration also tried to convince us... But it is clear that the European Union and its member states will alone decide," Austria's Foreign Minister Michael Spindelegger was quoted by AFP as telling Austrian public station, Radio Oe1.
Obama reiterated Monday his support for Turkey's European Union ambitions during a speech to Turkish lawmakers in Ankara. The U.S. president completed his two-day visit to Turkey on Tuesday.
"The question is to know if Turkey is changing its position," Spindelegger added.
Turkey began EU accession talks in 2005 but progress has been slow. Sticking points include a trade row over Cyprus and opposition from Austria, France and some members of the German government to its accession.
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