French President Emmanuel Macron (L) shakes hands with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan who arrives for a meeting at the Elysee Palace in Paris, Jan. 5, 2018. (Xinhua/Jack Chan)
PARIS, Jan. 5 (Xinhua) -- French President Emmanuel Macron said Friday that political developments in Turkey were blocking the country's EU accession bid, suggesting a "partnership" instead of a full membership.
"For relations with the European Union, it is clear that recent developments and choices allow no progress in the process," Macron said, quoted by France 24, a Paris-based TV news network.
"I'd be lying if I said we could open new chapters," he said at a press conference with visiting Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, referring to Turkey's accession process.
Erdogan, for his part, said his country was sick of waiting to join the European Union after half a century.
"Turkey has been waiting in the EU antechamber for 54 years. When it comes to saying why, the EU is not really capable of giving reasons," Erdogan said.
Although Turkey is hoping to warm frosty relations with Europe, Erdogan's talks with Macron were overshadowed by difference over Turkey's actions following a failed coup in July 2016, according to France 24.
Fethullah Gulen, a U.S.-based preacher, is accused by Ankara of orchestrating the coup attempt. At least 250 people were killed and over 2,000 people were injured in the coup attempt.
The Turkish government declared a state of emergency and launched a massive crackdown on Gulen's supporters in the aftermath of the coup attempt.
