The Turkish government is warning Europe against falling into the “trap of fascism,” as it defends comparisons with Nazi Germany that have angered EU leaders.
“We are hearing the marching steps of fascism and Nazism,” Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmus tells reporters in Ankara after a cabinet meeting.
“Steps need to be taken against that… we are saying these things (to Europe) so they do not fall into the trap of fascism,” adds Kurtulmus, who is official government spokesman.
He says that racism is on the rise in Europe and Turkey needed to warn its partners.
“We are making these fascist and Nazi comparisons out of concern for the future of our European friends,” he says.
A man reads an issue of Gunes, a Turkish pro-government daily newspaper, with on its front page German Chancellor Angela Merkel depicted in Nazi uniform with a Hitler-style mustache, labeling the German leader “She Hitler”, on March 17, 2017 in Istanbul, Turkey. (AFP PHOTO / YASIN AKGUL)
“Europe is our close ally, friend and neighbor and a very bad future is awaiting it.
“Measures must be taken so that they live in friendship with foreigners. We are telling them not to surrender to these fascist and racist discourses,” Kurtulmus adds.
The current crisis with Europe has raised questions over the future viability of Turkey’s bid to join the European Union.
— AFP
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