MHP leader calls on Germany to correct ban decision
by Daily Sabah
ANKARAMar 08, 2017 - 12:00 am GMT+3
by Daily Sabah
Mar 08, 2017 12:00 am
Turkey's opposition Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahçeli has urged Germany to correct the mistake it committed against Ankara by imposing local bans on rallies organized by Turkish ministers to discuss the constitutional amendment package with Turkish citizens living in Germany.
Speaking at his party's parliamentary group meeting in Ankara on Tuesday, Bahçeli pointed out that it was a natural right to allow Turkish people in Germany to be informed on constitutional changes by Turkish politicians, as far as freedom of speech is concerned.
"If Germany prevents Turkey [from organizing a rally], we see it as hostility against Turkey… We want to know whether Germany is siding with ‘no' voters," Bahçeli said.
Underlining Turkey's strategic significance, Bahçeli said, any crisis occurring from Turkey could also affect global cities like Berlin and London, and he further criticized the "so-called developed countries, which are supporting terrorist groups."
Bahçeli said these countries, by using terrorist groups, were not able to hamper Turkey's development.
"Germany's means are not appropriate and it should immediately restrain from committing acts like this. It is clearly known that the lives of Turkish citizens in Germany are also being disrupted [because of German authorities' attitude]. But, the Turkish nation is able to come together to stand up against any hostility," he said.
In addition, Bahçeli suggested that the Germany chancellor should abstain from making any statements or taking any action against Turkey that would increase the tension between Turkey and Germany even further and he urged German officials to correct their mistakes.
"Germany should look for a way to correct its relations with Turkey, with patience and calm. If a [solution] way cannot be reached, Germany should bear consequences. We will not hesitate to take matters into our own hands, when necessary," he added.
Tensions between Ankara and Berlin rose recently following decisions by certain German cities' to ban rallies organized by top Turkish ministers. The ministers were scheduled to meet the representatives of Germany's almost 3-million-strong Turkish community in regards with the referendum on constitutional reforms, foreseeing a presidency system.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan slammed German authorities on March 5, for trampling down the freedom of expression and right to assembly, and said, "This kind of practices [banning rallies] is no different from the Nazis in the past."
Keep up to date with what’s happening in Turkey,
it’s region and the world.
You can unsubscribe at any time. By signing up you are agreeing to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.