In Berlin, Chancellor Angela Merkel's spokesman said talks on Turkey's bid to the join EU would end if Ankara restored the death penalty. The top American diplomat said Turkey must "uphold the highest standards for the country's democratic institutions and the rule of law." Mogherini expressed concern about the possibility of other changes, noting that no country could join the EU if it reintroduces the death penalty. While he recognized the need to apprehend the coup plotters, Kerry said: "We caution against a reach that goes beyond that." Both the EU and the U.S. need a stable Turkey right now, however.

Source: New Zealand Herald July 18, 2016 10:18 UTC