Frank-Walter Steinmeier, the German Foreign Minister, following the declaration of a three-month state of emergency in Turkey, urged Ankara to limit the duration of the state of emergency and to end it as soon as possible. On Wednesday, July 30, he stated that in response to the failed coup in Turkey, Ankara should adhere to the 'rule of law' and 'proportional response.' According to Reuters, the German Foreign Minister said, 'The declaration of a state of emergency [in Turkey] clearly demonstrates the profound impact that the failed coup has on the political atmosphere and society in Turkey.' He emphasized that the German government calls for restraint from the Turkish government in response to the failed coup. Last Friday and Saturday, a group of military personnel attempted a coup that failed, leading the Turkish government to carry out widespread arrests, purges, and dismissals in the military, judiciary, police, and government offices. Ankara also banned university professors from traveling abroad, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan declared a state of emergency for three months. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has expressed concern over the widespread dismissals and arrests in Turkey, and Ankara's Western allies have firmly urged the Turkish government to adhere to the rule of law and democratic principles in its responses. The German Foreign Ministry has requested that the state of emergency be limited to the shortest possible time and that its end not be excessively delayed. The German news agency quoted the Turkish Deputy Prime Minister as saying that the state of emergency would not affect 'fundamental freedoms, including freedom of movement, assembly, and the press.' The Turkish Prime Minister also emphasized on Twitter that this situation is only to restore 'functionality to government mechanisms' immediately. However, these statements have not alleviated concerns; in Germany, expressions of these concerns are not limited to the Foreign Ministry. According to AFP, Steffen Seibert, the spokesman for the German government, stated, 'We are witnessing events almost every day that impact the rule of law and contradict the principles of proportional response.' The spokesman expressed 'deep' concern over these events. The largest group of Turkish citizens and ethnic Turks living abroad resides in Germany, with their number estimated at around 3 million. There are also extensive relations in economic, financial, technical, and defense cooperation between the two countries.
Germany to Turkey: Limit the State of Emergency
Germany's Foreign Minister has called on Turkey to limit its state of emergency following a failed coup attempt, emphasizing the need for adherence to the rule of law. The situation has raised concerns among Western allies about Turkey's response to the coup and its implications for democracy and human rights. This is significant as it highlights the delicate balance Turkey must maintain with its Western allies amidst internal turmoil.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
Germany's Foreign Minister has urged Turkey to limit its state of emergency following a failed coup attempt, emphasizing the need for adherence to the rule of law. This call comes amidst widespread arrests and purges in Turkey.
- Turkey declared a three-month state of emergency following a failed coup.
- Germany and other Western allies have expressed concerns about Turkey's response and its implications for democracy.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
Following a failed coup attempt in July 2016, Turkey declared a state of emergency, leading to significant political purges and arrests. This has raised international concerns about human rights and democratic governance in Turkey.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
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