EU backs Turkey's fight against terrorism

Commissioner for European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations Johannes Hahn said the EU supports Turkey’s efforts in the fight against Daesh.

According to a statement issued by the European Commission on Monday, Hahn spoke to the Turkish Minister of European Affairs Volkan Bozkir and discussed Ankara’s fight against Daesh as well as other domestic affairs.

“The EU acknowledges that Turkey has the right to prevent and react to any form of terrorism, which must be unequivocally condemned,” the statement said.

“Commissioner Hahn stressed that all parties should recommit to the peace process [solution process] and work now on a broad and inclusive political solution.”

“We count on Turkey to live up to its important and strategic role for the whole region, by refraining from any action that could further destabilise the region,” Hahn said in the statement.

“The response, however, must be proportionate, targeted and by no means endanger the democratic political dialogue in the country,” it said.

The solution process refers to dialogue between the Turkish government and the PKK, which began in 2013 but was stalled after recent attacks against police officers and soldiers in the country.

The PKK is considered a terrorist organization by Turkey, the EU and the US.