Tuesday, March 21, 2017

War of Words Between Berlin and Ankara Worsens, Gets Personal

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has hit back at Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan after he once again referred to Germany's "Nazi" tactics over rallies in support of the upcoming referendum in Turkey, marking a new low in diplomatic relations between the two countries.


Turkey is holding a referendum, April 16, on controversial changes to the country's constitution that could hand Erdogan massive executive presidential powers and abolish the role of prime minister. Erdogan and his government have promoted a series off rallies in Germany — as well as the Netherlands — to support his cause among the Turkish population abroad. 1.4 million Turks in Germany are eligible to vote.

However, German authorities have canceled a number of rallies, fearing violence and a rise in anti-migrant sentiment. Erdogan has accused Germany of employing fascist methods.

"You are right now employing Nazi measures. When we call them Nazis they (Europe) get uncomfortable. They rally together in solidarity. Especially Merkel," he said in a televised speech, March 19.

Merkel hit back saying such language must stop, "no ifs, no buts," and that her government would "take all necessary measures, including reviewing the permissions" for rallies for which permission had already been granted.
Meanwhile, a senior member of her own Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party and Minister President of the German state of Hesse, Volker Bouffier, has said Erdogan should be barred from entering Germany, which should distance itself from Erdogan's attempts to conduct a political campaign on German soil, which Germany itself was gearing up for its own federal elecions later this year.

"Mr. Erdogan is not welcome. If he does come, in my view, he will not be allowed to appear alongside us, as it poses a threat to national security," he said.
 [sputniknews.com]
21/3/17

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