Banana Republic: Erdogan calls for sanctions on the Netherlands

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan today called on international organisations to impose sanctions on the Netherlands, as a diplomatic row over Ankara's political campaigning among Turkish immigrants in Europe continues to simmer.


Speaking at an event in Kocaeli province, near Istanbul, Mr Erdogan said the Netherlands was acting like a "banana republic", and criticised European countries for failing to voice criticism for the Netherlands' treatment of Turkish ministers.

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said "inflammatory remarks" by Mr Erdogan would not help de-escalate the diplomatic row.

Mr Rutte said that while the Netherlands did not seek confrontation with Ankara, it would have to weigh further options if Turkey did not stop making such comments.
   [rte.ie]
12/3/17