Germany urges Turkey to respect rule of law against coup plotters
Germany has called on Turkey to respect international laws as it goes on with a crackdown against those who allegedly played a role in the mid-July coup attempt in the country.
German Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs Markus Ederer vowed on Monday that Berlin would support Ankara in efforts meant for punishing the coup plotters, but said that actions should be "within the rule of law."
“It is essential that these criminal investigations are conducted in accordance with international norms -- European Union, Council of Europe and OSCE standards,” Ederer said.
The senior German diplomat made the remarks during a press briefing in Turkey’s parliament building in Ankara. The compound was one of the places hit during the coup as rebel F-16 jets dropped bombs on it on the night of July 15.
Ederer said Germany was happy that the coup failed as it could otherwise cause serious problems for Berlin, saying, “If this attempt had succeeded, it would have been a disaster for Turkey, Germany and the region.”
Germany has been one of the main critics of Turkey’s severe crackdown on putschists.
Relations between Germany and Turkey were already strained over German parliament's decision in June to brand as “genocide” the killing of Armenians by Ottoman forces during the Second World War.
The ties between the two countries, however, hit a major snag last month when a German court decided to block a live speech by Turkish leaders, including President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, during a pro-Turkey rally in Germany.
Erdogan once again lashed out at the decision during a huge rally on Sunday, saying Germany’s double standards would backfire and the terrorists would hit the Germans.
“Germany did not allow the video call, where is the democracy? But they let those in Qandil (do it) via video,” said Erdogan, referring to a mountain stronghold for Kurdish militants.
“Whatever happens, tomorrow will not be as they await it. It will hit them like a boomerang. Let them feed those terrorists, they will hit them too,” he added.
Reports say more than 60,000 people have been sacked, suspended or detained as part of the government’s massive clampdown on those branded as coup plotters or sympathizers.
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