Turkish PM Erdogan's first comments on the EU Commission's recommendation

In his first reaction to the recommendation by the European Commission, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said that the content of the Commission’s recommendation is too harsh and unacceptable.

Mr Erdogan’s comments came in Riga after a meeting with the Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Mr Erdogan pointed out that the recommendation was made earlier than expected and brings his country’s membership negotiations process almost to a standstill.

Mr Erdogan said that the content of the recommendation was too harsh and unacceptable.

For his part, Mr Prodi said that the Commission’s recommendation could be turned in favor of Turkey and said that his country will work jointly with Britain, France and Germany to achieve this.

He said it will be in the interest of Turkey if the final decision on the issue will be taken by EU Foreign Minister before the EU Summit.

Upon news of the details of the recommendation, the Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan cancelled a scheduled press conference he’d be holding in Riga.

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