Poll shows 61% of Germans oppose Turkish EU membership

dpa German Press Agency:

A large majority of Germans oppose allowing Turkey to become a member of the European Union, according to a poll published Friday. Some 61 per cent of Germans reject admitting Turkey to the EU, with only 33 per cent saying they are in favour, said the poll by ZDF TV.

Chancellor Angela Merkel opposes giving Turkey EU membership and instead calls for Ankara to be granted what she terms a "privileged partnership."

Turks are Germany's biggest minority and number about 2.8 million out of a total population of 82 million.

Turkey earlier this year began negotiations to join the EU but talks have bogged down over Ankara's refusal to recognise EU member state Cyprus.

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