Germany needs to needs to choose Turkey over Gülenist Terror Group (FETÖ) supporters who perpetrated the deadly coup attempt, if it wants to improve relations with Turkey, Prime Minister Binali Yıldırım said Tuesday.
Speaking at the Justice and Development Party (AK Party)'s parliamentary group meeting in Ankara for the last time as prime minister, before President Erdoğan assumes leadership over the party soon, Yıldırım said that it is about time Germany makes a decision.
"If it [Germany] wants to enhance relations with Turkey and strengthen historical friendship ties, then it needs to face Turkey rather than FETÖ" Yıldırım said.
Yıldırım's comments come a day after Turkey denied access to a delegation of German lawmakers who wanted to visit İncirlik Air Base in southern Adana province.
In response, Germany said that it will consider alternative locations for its military personnel who are taking part in the anti-Daesh coalition.
Around 250 fugitive diplomats and soldiers allegedly affiliated with FETÖ, and who are accused of participating in the deadly coup attempt, have reportedly been granted asylum in Germany, to the dismay of Turkey.
Ankara and Berlin disagree on several issues, including the fight against the PKK terrorist organization and FETÖ. At a joint press conference held with Chancellor Merkel in February, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan criticized German authorities for their lack of a speedy process in the extradition of the FETÖ members being sought by Turkey.
