Erdogan says Turkey may vote on negotiations with EU

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan chairs a cabinet meeting in Ankara, Turkey, June 20, 2016. [Photo/Agencies]

ISTANBUL - Turkey may go to a referendum over whether to continue the accession talks with the European Union (EU), President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Wednesday.

Addressing the graduation ceremony of Fatih Sultan Mehmet Foundation University in Istanbul, Erdogan slammed the European countries for failing to meet their obligations under the EU-Turkey deal seeking to stem the illegal flow of migrants to Europe.

"You are not keeping your promises," he said. "EU does not accept Turkey's membership as the majority of our citizens are Muslims."

Under the deal with Turkey that went into force on March 20, EU agreed on more aid, a visa-free travel for Turks and expedited accession talks in exchange for Ankara's help in controlling the flow of migrants.

"Turkish citizens are not eager for visa-free travel and it is the EU who is after Turkey over fears on what would happen if Syrian refugees arrive at their borders," Erdogan said.