Erdogan hints at referendum on Turkey joining EU

ISTANBUL: Accusing Brussels of wanting Turkey to abandon its bid to join the EU, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan hinted in an interview published Sunday he might put the question to a referendum.

"The European Union is trying to compel us to withdraw from this (accession) process. If they don't want us they should be clear about this, they should make a decision," Erdogan told the leading daily Hurriyet.

"Our patience is not endless. If need be, later, we could also consult our people," he said, alluding to the UK's Brexit referendum in June.