Germany blocks arms sales to Turkey
The German government has refused approval for military exports to NATO partner country Turkey on a growing number of occasions. Ministers are concerned the weapons could be used to oppress the local population, reports DW.
Berlin has rejected more than 10 applications for arms exports to Turkey in recent months, reports German daily “Süddeutsche Zeitung” (SZ), citing a letter from the Ministry of Economic Affairs. The ministry was answering questions by the left-wing MP Jan van Aken.
As a NATO partner, Turkey is rarely subject to restrictions on arms exports. But there are concerns that since last July’s coup attempt, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has launched a far-reaching purge on political opponents.
