ANKARA, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- Turkey on Thursday criticized a report voted at the European Parliament (EP) Foreign Affairs Committee which called for suspension of the country's accession negotiations with European Union (EU).
"It is absolutely unacceptable that the non-binding, advisory draft report is calling for a total suspension of our accession talks to the EU," Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesman Hami Aksoy said in a statement.
The spokesperson called on the EP for revising the reports in a "more realistic, objective and encouraging" manner, that will be the only way Turkey will pay regard, said the statement.
The EP's Turkey report prepared by Dutch MP Kati Piri was adopted at foreign affairs committee on Wednesday and its final vote will be in the General Assembly.
The report called on the European Commission and member states to formally suspend EU accession negotiations with Turkey, citing disregard for human rights and civil liberties, influence on the judiciary, and disputes over territory with Cyprus and other neighbors.
"We expect the final report to be approved in the General Assembly in March to be more realistic, objective and encouraging by making the necessary corrections," said the spokesperson.
Turkey is committed for EU accession process and for sustaining reform efforts in this way, said the statement noting that Ankara needs paving the way for the accession process, not the suspension of accession negotiations.
"The accession process is in the interest of both the EU and Turkey," said Aksoy.
