World

Obama Arrives in Turkey

Urge for EU membership sparks rebuke from Sarkozy.

President Obama made good last night on an earlier promise to visit a Muslim country in his first 100 days, as he arrived in Ankara, the capital of Turkey. He’ll spend two days in the country, speaking today before the Turkish Grand National Assembly before heading to Istanbul tomorrow. Before arriving, Obama angered leaders at an EU-US summit by urging the EU to accept Turkey as a member to “ensure we continue to anchor Turkey firmly in Europe.” Obama said, “The United States and Europe must approach Muslims as our friends, neighbors and partners in fighting injustice, intolerance and violence.” His appeal sparked a tough rebuke from French President Nicolas Sarkozy: “I have been working hand in hand with President Obama, but when it comes to the European Union it's up to member states of the European Union to decide" Sarkozy said in Prague. "I have always been opposed to this entry, and I remain opposed.”