Cavusoglu ready to discuss decision on banning German MPs to visit Incirlik at NATO summit

Turkey’s Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said if there is a demand they can discuss the Turkish side’s decision on banning the German lawmakers to visit Incirclik air base during the NATO summit, the Turkish Diken news agency reports.

However, the Minister added that there is still no such demand from German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Commenting on the statement of German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel, according to which Turkey blackmails the German parliament, Cavusoglu said: “We don’t do blackmail. Turkey is not going to be subjected to double standards. If they want to be withdrawn from Incirlik, it’s their problem.”

On May 15 the Turkish government again banned the German Bundestag Defense Committee members to visit the German soldiers stationed in Incirlik air base. The German Foreign Ministry told Committee Chairman Wolfgang Hellmich that the Turkish government announced on May 10 the rejection of the request to visit the German soldiers in Incirlik air base.

One reason given for the denial of access was Germany’s granting asylum to a number of Turkish officers who faced persecution following the failed coup in Turkey on July 15 last year. Last year as well the Turkish side banned the lawmakers to visit the air base. That time the reason was Bundestag’s adoption of the Armenian Genocide recognition resolution.