Turkey 'welcomes' EP decision to ban terror groups from entering assembly

Turkey welcomes the European Parliament's decision to ban terror groups recognized as such by the European Union, notably the PKK and other terror groups threatening the country, from entering the assembly, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement released late Thursday.

The European Parliament endorsed the previous day the Parliament head Antonio Tajani's proposal to "systematically deny access to all persons, groups or entities" involved in terrorist acts.
"The said decision represents a positive step towards EU's fulfillment of its responsibilities for the fight against terror," the ministry added.

"We will closely follow the implementation of this decision," the ministry concluded.

According to a statement released by the EP, members of the assembly and political groups are requested not to invite the people listed in the Council Decision or individuals representing entities or groups on that list, and refrain from facilitating their access to Parliament.

"In case of doubt or the possible presence or promotion on Parliament's premises of any of the persons, entities, groups or individuals affiliated with them, please contact the directorate General for Security and Safety," the statement reads.

Turkey often criticizes the European Union's reluctance to prevent rallies and events related with the PKK terror group in Europe, accusing the bloc of being indifferent to terror groups.