PM Davutoğlu announces ten benefits for Turkish citizens living abroad

Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu has announced ten benefits for Turkish citizens living abroad in a meeting in Dortmund organized as part of governing AK Party's election campaign.

Davutoğlu, emphasizing that he is calling upon all European countries, especially Germany, as one of Turkey's most important allies, said "Let's protect cultural pluralism together. Let's live together in Europe, where the cultural pluralism is dominant. We should stand strong against Islamophobia and opposition to Turks like we stand strong against terrorism."

"I'm calling upon the European Parliament again, if someone dares to teach us history based on the so-called Armenian genocide allegations, we will tell them that we've lived together with Anatolian people for a thousand years. We know how to talk with them, and how to understand historical facts properly. Third parties, no matter who you are, stand out of our sunlight," he added.

"If those unaware of their own history try to teach us history, we're putting this straight, we won't let them make our honour or history a matter of debate, and won't discuss anything with third parties," said the Prime Minister.

Paid military exemption for Turkish citizens living abroad is reduced from 6,000 euros to 1,000 euros, Davutoğlu said. He added the government will pay allowances ranging from TL 300 to TL 600, currently applied in Turkey, for every Turkish child born anywhere in the world.

Passport fees for Turkish citizens living abroad will be decreased from 217 euros to 100 euros.

Vehicles that were brought from abroad can stay in Turkey for two years. Currently, vehicles brought from abroad should quit Turkey each six month period. Phones brought from abroad can be used for two years without registering. According to current regulation, all phones, even the ones for personal usage, have to be registered within one month upon arrival in Turkey.

Davutoğlu emphasized the problems over divorce and inheritance cases and added that the court decisions will be bilaterally recognized in Turkey and Germany.

Families can benefit from 20 percent discounts for their flights to Turkey including three or more persons.

Academic scholarships will be provided to Turkish citizens studying abroad. Undergraduate, graduate and doctorate students will be provided with monthly scholarships of 500, 700 and 1,000 euros respectively.

"What we will do after the elections is give you the right to be elected. Turkey has 85 electoral districts. I hope we will establish the 86th for citizens living abroad and allow you to choose your own representatives," Davutoğlu said.