Turkey has moved to block NATO’s Partnership for Peace (PfP) programme on Wednesday.
Turkey has moved to block NATO’s Partnership for Peace (PfP) programme on Wednesday, apparently aiming at Austria, Reuters reports.
Austria’s defense ministry has apparently confirmed the block.
On Saturday, Austria’s Foreign Minister, Sebastian Kurz, joined the Netherlands and Germany on Sunday to make clear Turkish officials are not welcome to campaign for the April 16 referendum. Since Sunday, rallying events in Austria and Switzerland have been canceled, the BBC reported. Austria has also been critical of the purge of diplomats, military officers, academics, teachers, journalists, and public servants since the July 15 coup d’état attempt in Turkey.
For all practical purposes, there is no immediate consequence of Turkey block. In time, there could be challenges emerging as Austria participates in training events in Kosovo.
NATO’s cooperation with PfP states includes political events, civilian projects, and military training. There are 22 NATO partner states, including Sweden and the Republic of Georgia, which contribute troops to the ISAF operation in Afghanistan.
NATO officials expect the tension between Turkey and EU member states will de-escalate following the referendum.
