Statements made by the First-Vice President of the EU Commission Timmermans to the press regarding the results of the 31 March local elections were astonishing and disappointing.

Ranking among the top highest turnout rates in elections in Europe, once again on 31 March the Turkish people went to the polls and showed their commitment to democracy. The message which our nation gave at the ballots is a reflection of their support and continued belief to stability and environment of trust in Turkey. Nevertheless, although some official results have not been announced yet, the calls for the recognition of those results made by EU authorities have been noted as an unfortunate blunder. Waiting for the results of the objections and applications made before the District, Provincial and Supreme Election Committee is a requirement of respect for the law. This is the reason why the above-mentioned statements are another example of the EU’s double standards regarding its commitment to democracy and law, which have been more and more subject to questioning.

Turkey is sincerely and strongly pursuing its reform commitment. Our nation’s commitment to democracy has once again shown itself during the 31 March elections. While Turkey is determined to pursue reforms, the EU authorities’ arbitrary and hasty statements, which were made without respect to the legal process, are most unfortunate. We invite the EU authorities not to erode the values of democracy and law represented by the European Union for their own political interests and preferences.