Turkey slams Austrian military embargo move

By Sinan Uslu

ANKARA

Ankara on Friday criticized an Austrian military supplies embargo on Turkey.

Speaking in Ankara, Defense Minister Fikri Isik told reporters: "I am sure that these types of implementations will give us [Turkey] more serious motivation in developing national and indigenous weapons in Turkey's defense industry.”

“We strongly condemn Austria's decision," he added.

Late on Thursday, the Austrian parliament adopted a motion which imposed an arms export embargo against Turkey.

The decision came the same day the European Parliament voted to approve a non-binding motion urging the EU to halt accession talks with Ankara.

Isik said the U.S. had imposed a much more severe embargo on Turkey in 1975 -- something which sparked the “birth” of Turkish military supplier, ASELSAN.

The U.S. imposed the embargo on Turkey in February 1975 after Ankara sent forces to Cyprus to protect the safety of Turkish Cypriots.

Founded in 1975, ASELSAN is a corporation which produces tactical military radios and defense electronic systems for the Turkish Armed Forces.

Isik said Turkey would not be affected by Austria's decision in practice but added that the decision had revealed Austria's attitude.