MOSCOW (Sputnik) — The European Union is "gravely concerned" by the post-coup crackdown in Turkey but stands ready to continue dialogue with it as a candidate for membership, the EU foreign policy chief said Tuesday.
In a statement attributed to High Representative Federica Mogherini, EU countries said they recognized Ankara’s need to take action after the July 15 coup attempt but warned it must safeguard democracy and freedoms "in conformity with its commitments as a candidate country."
"In this regard, the EU and its Member States will continue to follow and assess the situation very closely and they stand ready to continue political dialogue with Turkey at all levels," Mogherini pledged.
Brussels has been concerned about renewed attempts to reinstate the death penalty in Turkey, as well as by closures of media outlets, arrests of journalists and Kurdish opposition leaders that have shaken the country after a military faction made an unsuccessful bid to overthrow the Turkish president.
