Kilicdaroglu urges Merkel not to block Turkey's EU path

Leader of the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) Kemal Kilicdaroglu wrote a letter to German Chancellor Angela Merkel, urging her not to block Turkey's EU accession talks. Stating that the movement initiated by the young generation at Gezi Park for democracy, fundamental rights and freedoms and respect for human dignity was a source of hope and inspiration, Kilicdaroglu also backed Germany's reactions over the regressive situation of Turkey in the domains of democracy, freedoms and human rights in his letter. "These criticisms would certainly have an impact on the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) government. However, it would be an unjust, improper and wrong manner if these criticisms addressed to the AKP were to slow Turkey – EU ties, especially Turkey's accession process to the EU. The opening of new and important chapters that would strengthen Turkey's democratic base would renew the Turkish people's commitment to the EU," Kilicdaroglu wrote.