Turkish Offensive in Syria: Germany under pressure to ban arms exports to Turkey

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Europe

The Turkish military continues its offensive in northern Syria. Germany is now under pressure to ban its arms exports to Turkey. German-made Leopard 2 tanks have been found taking part in the Turkish offensive. CGTN's Guy Henderson reports from Berlin.

GUY HENDERSON BERLIN "The German government may have criticised its NATO ally Turkey for its military offensive into northern Syria — but it's emerged that German-made Leopard 2 tanks are taking part in that military operation. And there are reports that Germany may have been considering approving the export licence for an upgrade for Ankara. But he said it is unlikely to happen again now."

HENNING RIECKE GERMAN COUNCIL ON FOREIGN RELATIONS "Germany has an interest to re-build the relationship with Turkey which is pretty down right now. You can't only pick the fine democracies to speak to — sometimes you have to speak to countries out of strategic necessity. And I think this is a case where you can't simply drop all trade and drop all contacts”.

GUY HENDERSON BERLIN "Indeed, German foreign minister Sigmar Gabriel has been trying to reset bilateral ties in recent weeks...Guy Henderson, CGTN, Berlin."