Germany calls Turkish ambassador for explanations over criticism from Ankara on EU bid

Germany summoned the Turkish ambassador, Hüseyin Avni Karslıoğlu, Friday over sharp criticism from Ankara over reluctance to move forward with Turkey’s EU bid.

Turkish European Union Affairs Minister Egemen Bağış said on Thursday that Germany’s resistance to open a new chapter in EU accession talks was linked to Chancellor Angela Merkel’s “election campaign”.

Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle summoned the Turkish ambassador around midday Friday “due to remarks from Turkish officials toward Germany”.