Turkish FM summons Belgian ambassador

By Ahmet Furkan Mercan</p> <p>ANKARA (AA) – Turkey's Foreign Ministry summoned Belgium’s ambassador to Ankara on Monday, diplomatic sources said.</p> <p>Michel Malherbe was summoned to the ministry over a decision last week by a Belgian court to prevent the trial of 36 individuals and entities affiliated with the PKK terrorist organization.</p> <p>Officials expressed to Malherbe Turkey’s discomfort at the decision which also applied to the terror group’s so-called European leaders.</p> <p>Last week, a lower court announced the decision on the grounds that the country’s current anti-terror laws did not allow the suspects’ trial.</p> <p> </p> <p>- Belgian court’s PKK decision</p> <p>Last week, the spokesman for Turkey’s Foreign Ministry said: &quot;Despite the evidence submitted by the Federal Prosecutor of Belgium on the PKK’s terrorist nature, this decision, as it stands, provides the terrorist organizations with a very dangerous area of exploitation.&quot;</p> <p>&quot;It is possible to appeal against the decision in the Belgium Court of Appeals. Turkey will continue its legal fight resolutely,&quot; added Hami Aksoy in a written statement.</p> <p>He underlined that Ankara expected Belgium to &quot;act in line with its counter-terrorism responsibilities&quot; and take the necessary steps in the fight against the PKK &quot;in an effective manner.&quot;</p> <p> </p> <p>*Writing by Dilara Hamit