Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yıldırım said on Saturday that no country can attempt to dictate how Turkey must act, after Danish Prime Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said on Thursday that Turkey does not belong to the European Union under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
Yıldırım said Rasmussen has no right to talk about the Republic of Turkey and its President.
“Turkey’s regime is a democracy; it is a republic. Turkey is taking firm steps toward a contemporary level of civilization, encouraged by its history and civilization. No country can attempt to dictate how Turkey must act.”
Regarding the relations between Turkey and the European Union, Turkish premier said the EU should first conduct a self-criticism and make up its mind. “[The EU has taken] two steps forward, one step back for 40 years. They are placing obstacles for Turkey. They feel uncomfortable as Turkey takes its own decisions and maintains its stable development.”
Yıldırım pointed out that anti-Islam attitude and racism has been on the rise in Europe.
