Tensions Rise: Turkey Accuses Germany of Racism

Turkish Minister for European Affairs Omer Celik called the statement by German Commissioner in the European Commission Gunther Oettinger that Turkey will likely not become an EU member while Recep Tayyip Erdogan is at the head of the country "cultural racism", reports the Patria News Agency.  

Ties between Turkey and the EU have become strained following last month's coup attempt and the subsequent purges. The EU has called for restraint, which has drawn criticism from Turkey, which believes the Union does not understand the extent of the danger posed by those responsible for planning the coup.

German Vice-Chancellor Sigmar Gabriel stated on Sunday that he does not believe Turkey will become part of the EU during his political career, writes Index.