The European Parliament calls on to freeze negotiations on Turkey`s accession to EU

On Thursday the  European Parliament voted to suspend contracts with Turkey on its possible accession to the EU. The approved resolution is not legally binding. For a temporary freeze agreement with Turkey voted 479 deputies, against - 37, reports AFP. Another 107 members were absent.

Relations between the EU and Turkey aggravated after a failed coup attempt in Turkey, which took place on July 15th. The Turkish authorities have detained thousands of people, many civil servants were dismissed.

 Last week the head of European diplomacy Federica Mogherini expressed serious concern at the violations of human rights in Turkey. Prior to that, such statements made some other European politicians and officials.

In particular, the EU is concerned about the discussion about the possible return of the death penalty in Turkey. The German government has warned that if the Turkish government decides to return the death penalty, the negotiations with Turkey on EU membership will be suspended. Turkey has responded by saying that the EU opinion on this matter in the country will not be taken into account. The EU and UN also criticizes Turkey for persecution of journalists. Earlier, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that the outcome of today's vote in the EU is indifferent to him, and Turkey will consider the possibility of joining the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.-02D-