'Prostitute' remark may harm Turkish-EU deal
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Strasbourg (Reuter) - A Turkish cabinet minister's description of three women members of the European Parliament as "prostitutes" has endangered the approval of a customs accord with Turkey, two of them said yesterday.
"From a point of view of getting votes, it's not useful if three party leaders are described in this way," said one of the three, a German Green Deputy, Claudia Roth.
Pauline Green, MEP for London North and leader of the Socialists, the assembly's largest group, said she had received a "grudging apology" from State Minister Ayvaz Gokdemir.
The three MPs had demanded the release of jailed Kurdish deputies during a recent visit to Ankara. Mr Gokdemir was quoted as retorting: "We are not going to release these traitors for the sake of the prostitutes of Europe who have come to us."
He denied that he had used the phrase to refer to Ms Roth, Mrs Green and the third MEP, Catherine Lalumiere, of France. The Turkish Prime Minister Tansu Ciller, has dissociated herself from the minister's remarks.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments