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TURKISH PRIME MINISTER BLASTS GERMANY ON PKK TERROR
Today's Zaman, Turkey
Nov 2 2011
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan slammed Germany on Tuesday
for becoming "an accessory" to the campaign of terror launched by
the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) terrorist organization in Turkey.
"Those who tolerate terrorism become an accessory to the bloody face of
terrorism," Erdogan said without naming Germany in a speech delivered
in Berlin during a gala dinner to mark the 50th anniversary of the
migration of Turkish workers to Germany. "I am calling on those who
turn a blind eye to the activities of the terror organization in their
publications, foundations, fundraising efforts as well as on those
who let criminals roam freely [on their soil]. Are you aware of an
8-month-old baby slain in her mother's womb [by the PKK]," he said.
At a joint press conference with Merkel on Wednesday, Erdogan
complained that the PKK was able to collect 6 million euros in
Germany. "This money goes to the terrorist organization as financial
support. This is really sad and thought-provoking," Erdogan said,
calling on the German authorities to step up measures to prevent PKK
fund-raising activities in the country.
Turkey accuses Germany, among other EU member states, for not doing
enough to prevent the PKK's fundraising activities and recruiting
efforts. The PKK has increased its attacks in recent months, claiming
the lives of many civilians, including a pregnant woman and children.
"Do those who preach democracy know the fate of the mother,
Mizgin Doru," Erdogan said, adding: "I am asking those who do not
lend necessary backing to the fight against terror, but lecture
us on human rights. Are you aware of four-year old Sultan who was
viciously killed?" Erdogan was referring to a September incident in
which the PKK opened fire on civilians and police in Batman, killing
eight-month-pregnant Mizgin Doru (35) and her 6-year-old daughter
Sultan Doru.
Doru's husband, her 8-year-old daughter and three police officers were
injured in the attack, while three terrorists were also killed. The
woman's unborn baby was saved via C-section, but later died in the
hospital, bringing the death toll in this attack to three.
"The terror organization is not the only responsible party for these
inhumane attacks," Erdogan said, adding that not only are those who
pulled the trigger and ordered these killings liable, but those
who support the PKK and lend material and moral support are just
as responsible
"European countries should see how tolerance shown for the terrorist
organization in Europe translates into bloody acts of terror in
Turkey," Erdogan told the audience. He said the fight against terrorism
would not prove successful though the efforts of a single country,
calling on all countries to cooperate on the fight against terror.
The Turkish prime minister also lamented what he saw as a lack
of cooperation by European countries, saying Europe does not take
action when Turkey wants to discuss terror-affiliated organizations
and their fundraising activities during meetings. "If you can justify
these excuses, let them justify your conscience first and foremost,"
Erdogan underlined.
This is not the first time Erdogan has criticized Germany for not
dealing with the terrorist PKK and other terrorist organizations
active in Turkey. He echoed similar remarks during a visit in
February in Dusseldorf. Turkey also complains that Germany is not
extraditing members of those organizations living in Germany, where
it is estimated that around 4 million Turks live. Last month, Erdogan
accused a number of German organizations of funneling money to the
PKK through loans offered to municipalities run by the pro-Kurdish
Peace and Democracy Party (BDP). Expressing his discomfort with the
behavior of some foundations that fund infrastructure projects in
Turkey, Erdogan said: "These [BDP] municipalities receive financial
support from some foundations. The activities of one German foundation
in the region are particularly striking. These foundations draw up
loan contracts, especially with municipalities run by the Republican
People's Party [CHP] and the BDP. They not only sign such contracts,
but also make sure the deal goes to a specific contractor. This is
an outright money transfer to the PKK."
Erdogan continued to hammer Germany in a joint symposium with
Chancellor Angela Merkel on Wednesday. He said the EU should think big
and become a global player. "Our expectation is that Germany should
assume a leading role for the future of the EU by putting out such
a vision," he said.
Erdogan repeated his earlier remarks that Turks in Germany should
be seen as a "big opportunity for both Turkey and Germany." He said
his government agrees with Germany on integration while rejecting
assimilation policies. "We encourage Turks to learn German and adopt
German citizenship. Likewise, I invite Germans to assume Turkish
citizenship," he said, referring to German retirees settled in Turkey.
Noting that some 4 million Germans visit Turkey every year, Erdogan
said this would help develop common bond between the two peoples.
Turkish prime minister reiterated that Turkey rejects all forms of
discrimination including anti-Semitism and Islamophobia. "I believe
Germany will sincerely join in the common fight against these human
rights crimes," Erdogan said.
On her part, Merkel acknowledged there are problems with integration.
"We spent over 1 billion euros on integration courses between 2005 and
2010," she said, adding that education is a key to overcoming these
problems. "I think the children of immigrants should be especially
supported in that regard to offer better opportunities," she said.
"When children start school with perfect German, then they can be
successful," Merkal argued.
Merkel emphasized that Turks are an integral part of German society,
stressing that diversity is important. "We need a common foundation,
which is a constitution. Human rights constitute the core of the
constitution," she explained.
The German chancellor noted that the success of integration policies
would determine the future of Germany. She lamented, however, the
emigration of highly skilled Turks from Germany, saying the trend
saddens Germany. Merkel also underlined that Germany is closely
involved with the future of Turkey. "We are on your side with utmost
determination in the fight against terror, especially the PKK. There
is no doubt about that.
Touching on Turkish migrants' integration into German society, Erdogan
said on Tuesday Turks living in Germany must learn the German language,
adding, "However, no one should expect us to forget our own mother
tongue." He added, "And after these 50 years, we now want to see Turks
who make valuable contributions to every aspect of their country of
residence with their culture, traditions, beliefs and language."
He said German authorities should acknowledge that Turks are an
indispensible part of German society today. "They are not guest
workers or immigrants anymore," he said, stressing that integration is
a two-way street. "It is our right to ask and question to what extent
Turks here benefit from equal participation, equal opportunities and
coexistence," Erdogan noted.
Turkey complains that Turks in Germany are discriminated against
when it comes to job opportunities and that Germans of non-Turkish
descent are preferred in the workplace. Turks are also confronted
with educational disadvantages in Germany, with dropout rates higher
among the Turkish community than the national average. Difficulties
in learning Turkish in the German educational system still continue.
'We feel Germany abandoned us in EU bid' In an interview with the
German Bild newspaper, Prime Minister Erdogan criticized Germany's
stand on Turkey's EU aspirations, saying the EU's largest member state
has "abandoned" Turkey on the issue of EU accession. "Germany should
do much more for Turkey's EU membership bid as this would massively
support integration. Since we Turks regard Germany very positively,
we feel much let down on this issue," he said in the mass-circulation
German daily. Merkel's government opposes Turkey's full membership,
though it says the negotiations should continue. German's proposal
of a "privileged partnership" instead of full membership was rejected
flat-out by Turkey as unacceptable.
Linking Turkey's EU bid with the integration issues faced by some 3
million Turks living in Germany, Erdogan said Germany must do more
to support Turkey's EU aspirations as a way of boosting integration.
Asked what he considered German politicians' biggest failing over
integration, Erdogan said, "German politicians insufficiently
acknowledge the integration of the three million Turks in Germany."
When asked how he describes Turks in Germany, Erdogan said if they
obtained German citizenship, they should be seen as Germans. Otherwise
they are Turks. "It is very much like German retirees who settle in
Turkey. They are Germans with all honors and rights," he said.
Thousands of German senior citizens moved to Turkey in recent years,
settling especially in the southern parts of the country where they
enjoy the sun and beaches.
Describing Turks as open and loyal, Erdogan said Germany should
show much more solidarity with Turkey. He also criticized Germany's
opposition to dual citizenship and laws that oblige any Turks moving
to Germany to speak good German before arrival, saying this infringed
their human rights.
"If a young Turkish man loves a woman in Turkey and wants to marry her,
this is seen as a mistake, as Germany demands that she first learn
German. But what is the language of love?" he said. Erdogan pointed out
there are no similar requirements in the EU acquis and asked Germany
to overhaul its immigration policy. "It cannot be that the love of
young people is only allowed to exist in German by decree," he added.
Noting that even France allows dual citizenship, Erdogan asked why
Germany cannot do the same with its citizenship laws. About one-third
of Turks in Germany have German citizenship, but they are required
to renounce Turkish citizenship since changes introduced in 2000.
Erdogan is scheduled to depart for France on Wednesday to attend
the G-20 meeting in Cannes where world leaders will discuss plans
to stabilize the eurozone and further boost the global recovery. The
summit will focus on Europe's efforts to contain its sovereign debt
crisis and avoid a repeat of the financial shock that roiled markets
after the Lehman Brothers collapse in 2008.
Today's Zaman, Turkey
Nov 2 2011
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan slammed Germany on Tuesday
for becoming "an accessory" to the campaign of terror launched by
the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) terrorist organization in Turkey.
"Those who tolerate terrorism become an accessory to the bloody face of
terrorism," Erdogan said without naming Germany in a speech delivered
in Berlin during a gala dinner to mark the 50th anniversary of the
migration of Turkish workers to Germany. "I am calling on those who
turn a blind eye to the activities of the terror organization in their
publications, foundations, fundraising efforts as well as on those
who let criminals roam freely [on their soil]. Are you aware of an
8-month-old baby slain in her mother's womb [by the PKK]," he said.
At a joint press conference with Merkel on Wednesday, Erdogan
complained that the PKK was able to collect 6 million euros in
Germany. "This money goes to the terrorist organization as financial
support. This is really sad and thought-provoking," Erdogan said,
calling on the German authorities to step up measures to prevent PKK
fund-raising activities in the country.
Turkey accuses Germany, among other EU member states, for not doing
enough to prevent the PKK's fundraising activities and recruiting
efforts. The PKK has increased its attacks in recent months, claiming
the lives of many civilians, including a pregnant woman and children.
"Do those who preach democracy know the fate of the mother,
Mizgin Doru," Erdogan said, adding: "I am asking those who do not
lend necessary backing to the fight against terror, but lecture
us on human rights. Are you aware of four-year old Sultan who was
viciously killed?" Erdogan was referring to a September incident in
which the PKK opened fire on civilians and police in Batman, killing
eight-month-pregnant Mizgin Doru (35) and her 6-year-old daughter
Sultan Doru.
Doru's husband, her 8-year-old daughter and three police officers were
injured in the attack, while three terrorists were also killed. The
woman's unborn baby was saved via C-section, but later died in the
hospital, bringing the death toll in this attack to three.
"The terror organization is not the only responsible party for these
inhumane attacks," Erdogan said, adding that not only are those who
pulled the trigger and ordered these killings liable, but those
who support the PKK and lend material and moral support are just
as responsible
"European countries should see how tolerance shown for the terrorist
organization in Europe translates into bloody acts of terror in
Turkey," Erdogan told the audience. He said the fight against terrorism
would not prove successful though the efforts of a single country,
calling on all countries to cooperate on the fight against terror.
The Turkish prime minister also lamented what he saw as a lack
of cooperation by European countries, saying Europe does not take
action when Turkey wants to discuss terror-affiliated organizations
and their fundraising activities during meetings. "If you can justify
these excuses, let them justify your conscience first and foremost,"
Erdogan underlined.
This is not the first time Erdogan has criticized Germany for not
dealing with the terrorist PKK and other terrorist organizations
active in Turkey. He echoed similar remarks during a visit in
February in Dusseldorf. Turkey also complains that Germany is not
extraditing members of those organizations living in Germany, where
it is estimated that around 4 million Turks live. Last month, Erdogan
accused a number of German organizations of funneling money to the
PKK through loans offered to municipalities run by the pro-Kurdish
Peace and Democracy Party (BDP). Expressing his discomfort with the
behavior of some foundations that fund infrastructure projects in
Turkey, Erdogan said: "These [BDP] municipalities receive financial
support from some foundations. The activities of one German foundation
in the region are particularly striking. These foundations draw up
loan contracts, especially with municipalities run by the Republican
People's Party [CHP] and the BDP. They not only sign such contracts,
but also make sure the deal goes to a specific contractor. This is
an outright money transfer to the PKK."
Erdogan continued to hammer Germany in a joint symposium with
Chancellor Angela Merkel on Wednesday. He said the EU should think big
and become a global player. "Our expectation is that Germany should
assume a leading role for the future of the EU by putting out such
a vision," he said.
Erdogan repeated his earlier remarks that Turks in Germany should
be seen as a "big opportunity for both Turkey and Germany." He said
his government agrees with Germany on integration while rejecting
assimilation policies. "We encourage Turks to learn German and adopt
German citizenship. Likewise, I invite Germans to assume Turkish
citizenship," he said, referring to German retirees settled in Turkey.
Noting that some 4 million Germans visit Turkey every year, Erdogan
said this would help develop common bond between the two peoples.
Turkish prime minister reiterated that Turkey rejects all forms of
discrimination including anti-Semitism and Islamophobia. "I believe
Germany will sincerely join in the common fight against these human
rights crimes," Erdogan said.
On her part, Merkel acknowledged there are problems with integration.
"We spent over 1 billion euros on integration courses between 2005 and
2010," she said, adding that education is a key to overcoming these
problems. "I think the children of immigrants should be especially
supported in that regard to offer better opportunities," she said.
"When children start school with perfect German, then they can be
successful," Merkal argued.
Merkel emphasized that Turks are an integral part of German society,
stressing that diversity is important. "We need a common foundation,
which is a constitution. Human rights constitute the core of the
constitution," she explained.
The German chancellor noted that the success of integration policies
would determine the future of Germany. She lamented, however, the
emigration of highly skilled Turks from Germany, saying the trend
saddens Germany. Merkel also underlined that Germany is closely
involved with the future of Turkey. "We are on your side with utmost
determination in the fight against terror, especially the PKK. There
is no doubt about that.
Touching on Turkish migrants' integration into German society, Erdogan
said on Tuesday Turks living in Germany must learn the German language,
adding, "However, no one should expect us to forget our own mother
tongue." He added, "And after these 50 years, we now want to see Turks
who make valuable contributions to every aspect of their country of
residence with their culture, traditions, beliefs and language."
He said German authorities should acknowledge that Turks are an
indispensible part of German society today. "They are not guest
workers or immigrants anymore," he said, stressing that integration is
a two-way street. "It is our right to ask and question to what extent
Turks here benefit from equal participation, equal opportunities and
coexistence," Erdogan noted.
Turkey complains that Turks in Germany are discriminated against
when it comes to job opportunities and that Germans of non-Turkish
descent are preferred in the workplace. Turks are also confronted
with educational disadvantages in Germany, with dropout rates higher
among the Turkish community than the national average. Difficulties
in learning Turkish in the German educational system still continue.
'We feel Germany abandoned us in EU bid' In an interview with the
German Bild newspaper, Prime Minister Erdogan criticized Germany's
stand on Turkey's EU aspirations, saying the EU's largest member state
has "abandoned" Turkey on the issue of EU accession. "Germany should
do much more for Turkey's EU membership bid as this would massively
support integration. Since we Turks regard Germany very positively,
we feel much let down on this issue," he said in the mass-circulation
German daily. Merkel's government opposes Turkey's full membership,
though it says the negotiations should continue. German's proposal
of a "privileged partnership" instead of full membership was rejected
flat-out by Turkey as unacceptable.
Linking Turkey's EU bid with the integration issues faced by some 3
million Turks living in Germany, Erdogan said Germany must do more
to support Turkey's EU aspirations as a way of boosting integration.
Asked what he considered German politicians' biggest failing over
integration, Erdogan said, "German politicians insufficiently
acknowledge the integration of the three million Turks in Germany."
When asked how he describes Turks in Germany, Erdogan said if they
obtained German citizenship, they should be seen as Germans. Otherwise
they are Turks. "It is very much like German retirees who settle in
Turkey. They are Germans with all honors and rights," he said.
Thousands of German senior citizens moved to Turkey in recent years,
settling especially in the southern parts of the country where they
enjoy the sun and beaches.
Describing Turks as open and loyal, Erdogan said Germany should
show much more solidarity with Turkey. He also criticized Germany's
opposition to dual citizenship and laws that oblige any Turks moving
to Germany to speak good German before arrival, saying this infringed
their human rights.
"If a young Turkish man loves a woman in Turkey and wants to marry her,
this is seen as a mistake, as Germany demands that she first learn
German. But what is the language of love?" he said. Erdogan pointed out
there are no similar requirements in the EU acquis and asked Germany
to overhaul its immigration policy. "It cannot be that the love of
young people is only allowed to exist in German by decree," he added.
Noting that even France allows dual citizenship, Erdogan asked why
Germany cannot do the same with its citizenship laws. About one-third
of Turks in Germany have German citizenship, but they are required
to renounce Turkish citizenship since changes introduced in 2000.
Erdogan is scheduled to depart for France on Wednesday to attend
the G-20 meeting in Cannes where world leaders will discuss plans
to stabilize the eurozone and further boost the global recovery. The
summit will focus on Europe's efforts to contain its sovereign debt
crisis and avoid a repeat of the financial shock that roiled markets
after the Lehman Brothers collapse in 2008.