Turkey warns EU not to push it away

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan today warned the European Union not to push his country away from membership negotiations, as the EU considered a partial suspension of talks over Turkey’s refusal to open up to trade with Cyprus.

“European Union membership is part of a global vision. It is the most important project of the 21st century,” Erdogan said. “It is an issue that cannot be sacrificed to small calculations and mundane issues.”

“To distance Turkey from the negotiating table would be a grave mistake,” Erdogan said.

“Turkey has nothing to lose. If anyone will lose it will be the EU.”

The EU’s decision to suspend or continue talks could hinge on Turkey’s willingness to open up to trade with EU member Cyprus, something the Turks refuse to do until an embargo on Turkish Cypriots on the north of the island is lifted.

The embargo stems back to Turkey’s 1974 invasion of the island to stop a coup aiming to unite the entire island with Greece.

Erdogan’s comments came as Finland, which holds the rotating EU presidency, said it backed the proposal to partially freeze talks.