Politics
16:15, 17-Sep-2017
Turkey summons German envoy over pro-Kurdish rally in Cologne
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Turkey summoned the German ambassador to Ankara on Saturday over what it said was a Kurdish militant rally in Cologne, the foreign ministry said, in a further sign of strained relations between the NATO allies.
“We condemn the organization of a rally in the German city of Cologne by the extensions of the PKK terrorist organizations, and the allowing of terror propaganda. We have voiced our reaction in a strong manner to Germany’s ambassador to Ankara, who was called to the ministry,” it said.
People attend a pro-Kurdish demonstration in Cologne, western Germany, November 5, 2016, as part of an international day in support to Kurds. /AFP Photo
People attend a pro-Kurdish demonstration in Cologne, western Germany, November 5, 2016, as part of an international day in support to Kurds. /AFP Photo
The state-run Anadolu news agency said around 3,000 Kurdish supporters demonstrated in Cologne on Saturday carrying posters calling for the release of Abdullah Ocalan, the jailed leader of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), which is listed as a terrorist group by the EU and the US, and is banned in Germany.
Turkey has accused Germany of not doing enough to stop PKK activities.
“The double standard approach Germany has been following with regards to the global fight against terrorism is worrying. We call on Germany to show a principled stance against all kinds of terror,” the ministry said.
A member of the anti-Iranian group, Kurdistan Free Life Party (PJAK), hanging up a flag of jailed PKK leader, Abdullah Ocalan, at northern Iraq's Kurdish autonomous region on August 28, 2017. /AFP Photo
A member of the anti-Iranian group, Kurdistan Free Life Party (PJAK), hanging up a flag of jailed PKK leader, Abdullah Ocalan, at northern Iraq's Kurdish autonomous region on August 28, 2017. /AFP Photo
Relations with Europe, particularly Germany, have been strained since President Recep Tayyip Erdogan launched a widespread crackdown following last year's failed military coup.
More than 50,000 people have been jailed pending trial and 150,000 people, including journalists and opposition figures, have been sacked or suspended from their jobs.
Germany has criticized the mass arrests, refused to extradite people Turkey says were involved in the putsch attempt and demanded the release of around a dozen German citizens arrested in recent months.
Source(s): Reuters