Surprising EU anti-dhimmitude. By Constant Brand for Associated Press:
BRUSSELS, Belgium – The European Commission’s executive body on Wednesday recommended partially suspending European Union membership talks with Turkey to protest Ankara’s continued refusal to open its ports to Cyprus.
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan called the proposed suspension “unacceptable” and said his country would not compromise on the issue of Cyprus.
The recommendation, which must still be ratified by the full EU, comes at a sensitive moment for Turkey, with attention focused on the country as it hosts a visit by Pope Benedict XVI. On Tuesday, the pontiff expressed support for Turkey’s efforts to join the EU, moving away from his previous opposition.
All 25 EU leaders are expected to rule on the commission’s recommendation at their Dec. 14-15 summit, but the union’s member nations appear deeply divided over how to handle Turkey’s entry bid.