EP's new Turkey rapporteur points at Syria op as 'major obstacle' to improving relations

Anadolu Agency

Turkey is "very important" to the European Union and trust must be rebuilt between the two sides, said the European Parliament's new Turkey rapporteur Nacho Sanchez Amor. However, Amor added that Turkey's operation in northern Syria was a major obstacle to improving relations with Ankara.

Nacho Sanchez Amor told that he would endeavor to be objective during his term, and maintain contact with any interlocutors concerned, speaking to Anadolu Agency in an interview in Brussels.

Stressing that the EU recognized Turkey has "legitimate concerns on security," Amor said this did not constitute consent to Ankara acting "unilaterally" in Syria, referring to Turkey's 'Operation Peace Spring'.

Amor underlined that Turkey's operation in northern Syria was a major obstacle to developing Ankara's relations with Brussels, which he said shared a wide consensus over the issue.

The EU always praised Turkey's acceptance of refugees, which he said was a "shining example" of the EU's principles and values, Amor added. He also said Turkey has a "complete right" to ask EU for support in sharing the burden of refugees.

Amor announced that he is planning to make his first visit to Turkey in January.