Germany should not become safe haven for Turkey's enemies: FM
Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu criticized Germany on Friday saying that the country has become a safe haven for PKK terror group members, as well as for the followers of the Gülenist Terror Group (FETÖ).
Speaking to reporters at the G20 summit of foreign ministers in the German city of Bonn, Çavuşoğlu said Ankara's concerns over the FETÖ members in Germany have been expressed to German authorities at every opportunity. "It is not acceptable that they have found a place for themselves in a country like Germany. I mean, why do they consider Germany a safe haven? Why did they choose this country? This has similarly been seen with PKK members, as well," he added.
"In recent days, FETÖ members here [in Germany] have been harassing our Turkish citizens, and they have used some elements [here]. The PKK has already been doing this but has intensified its efforts lately. It is my job to ensure peace for our citizens abroad," he added.
Çavuşoğlu also said the PKK followers who are threatening the democratic rights of Turkish citizens and conducting campaigns for the PKK will be brought to justice within the rule of law and that Turkey will take the necessary steps to ensure the security of its citizens abroad.
In 2002, the European Commission officially classified the PKK as a terrorist organization. However, the PKK still enjoys considerable freedom under the protection of the EU. Ankara has repeatedly warned the EU about the PKK's threat, but the EU continues to allow their activities. Between 2006 and 2016, Turkey demanded the extradition of 136 PKK terrorists from Germany. The German government agreed to hand over only three of them to the Turkish authorities, the Justice Ministry announced.
Speaking to reporters at the G20 summit of foreign ministers in the German city of Bonn, Çavuşoğlu said Ankara's concerns over the FETÖ members in Germany have been expressed to German authorities at every opportunity. "It is not acceptable that they have found a place for themselves in a country like Germany. I mean, why do they consider Germany a safe haven? Why did they choose this country? This has similarly been seen with PKK members, as well," he added.
"In recent days, FETÖ members here [in Germany] have been harassing our Turkish citizens, and they have used some elements [here]. The PKK has already been doing this but has intensified its efforts lately. It is my job to ensure peace for our citizens abroad," he added.
Çavuşoğlu also said the PKK followers who are threatening the democratic rights of Turkish citizens and conducting campaigns for the PKK will be brought to justice within the rule of law and that Turkey will take the necessary steps to ensure the security of its citizens abroad.
In 2002, the European Commission officially classified the PKK as a terrorist organization. However, the PKK still enjoys considerable freedom under the protection of the EU. Ankara has repeatedly warned the EU about the PKK's threat, but the EU continues to allow their activities. Between 2006 and 2016, Turkey demanded the extradition of 136 PKK terrorists from Germany. The German government agreed to hand over only three of them to the Turkish authorities, the Justice Ministry announced.
Last Update: February 17, 2017 22:48