NATO Chief Voices Concerns That Turkey Has Violated Its Core Values

NATO claims that Turkey does not abide by the alliance's values, which include respecting human rights, individual liberty, and democracy.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said he expected Turkey, as well other member states of the Alliance, to respect human rights, individual freedom and commitment for democracy.

"NATO is based on some core values: human rights, individual liberty, and democracy. I expect all NATO allies to adhere to those values," he stated in an Wednesday interview with the Foreign Affairs magazine, responding to a question whether criticism of Ankara for multiple human rights’ violations has complicated the Alliance's mission as a bridge between the European Union and Turkey in dealing with the migration crisis and the fight against terrorism.

Turkey's restrictions on free speech, reports about the Syrian refugees’ deportation as well as the country’s battle against the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) have been criticized by the international community, including the United Nations, the United States, the European Union, Russia and numerous rights groups.

The European Union has been lashed out for turning a blind eye to Turkey’s recent crackdown on opposition media outlets and multiple human rights’ breaches as the bloc is perceived to prioritize combating undocumented migration with Ankara’s help.