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EU should decide between Turkey or its enemies, Turkey PM says

November 15, 2016 4:34 AM EST

Turkey's Prime Minister Binali Yildirim addresses members of parliament from his ruling AK Party (AKP) during a meeting at the Turkish parliament in Ankara, Turkey, November 8, 2016. REUTERS/Umit Bektas

ANKARA (Reuters) - The European Union should decide between Turkey or its enemies, Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said on Tuesday, adding that Brussels should not expect Ankara to change its anti-terror laws.

Yildirim made the comment in a speech to members of his ruling AK Party in parliament that was broadcast live on television. The comments coincided with an official visit on Tuesday by German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier.

Relations between Turkey, a candidate for EU membership, and Brussels have been strained following an attempted coup in July. European leaders are worried that Ankara is using the failed putsch as a pretext to clamp down on dissent. Turkey, meanwhile, has been angered by what it sees as a lack of solidarity following the coup.

(Reporting by Ercan Gurses and Ece Toksabay; Writing by David Dolan; Editing by Daren Butler)



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