BREAKING: Merkel ‘to withdraw all German soldiers from Turkey’ in MAJOR diplomatic row
ANGELA Merkel is considering withdrawing all German soldiers from Turkey in a major diplomatic snub.
By JOEY MILLAR AND SOFIA PETKAR
Express.co.ukMon, May 15, 2017
It comes after Turkey refused to allow German politicians to visit soldiers at Incirlik air base.
The German Chancellor said today: “This is unfortunate, and we have made this clear through various channels.
“We will continue to talk with Turkey, but in parallel we will have to explore other ways of fulfilling our mandate.”
More than 250 German soldiers are stationed at the base, contributing to NATO’s mission targeting Islamist State militants in neighbouring Syria.
The military personnel fly Tornado surveillance missions over the wartorn country, and refuel flights for partner nations battling ISIS extremists.
Turkish foreign ministry sources told Reuters that a visit by German parliamentarians “would not be appropriate at this time”.
Turkey similarly refused access to German authorities late last year, although that visit eventually went ahead.
Speaking to reporters, Angela Merkel said: “We will continue to talk with Turkey, but in parallel we will have to explore other ways of fulfilling our mandate.
“That means looking at alternatives to Incirlik, and one alternative among others is Jordan.”
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