The European Union's top envoy to Turkey has resigned, EU officials said yesterday, after displaying what a Turkish minister said was disrespect for national values and for President Tayyip Erdogan.
The resignation of Hansjoerg Haber was a further sign of strained ties as Brussels tries to keep on track a landmark deal credited with curbing the flow of migrants to Europe. It comes a month after Mr Haber was summoned by Turkey's foreign ministry over comments critical of Ankara's handling of the migration accord.
An EU official said his departure was "not for personal reasons". Omer Celik, Turkey's EU affairs minister, told reporters it had become impossible for Mr Haber to function in his role. "The first rule for all diplomats is to respect national values, which include the common value of the office of the presidency," Mr Celik said during a visit to Slovakia in comments broadcast by TRT television.
"The comments made by the ambassador in question violated this fundamental rule and the necessary reaction was made. A spokeswoman for the European Commission said Mr Haber would be leaving his role as of August. – (Reuters)