Turkish FM says German delegation may visit Konya Air Base, not İncirlik

Germany stands beside Turkey in the fight against terrorism, German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel said in a joint press conference with Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu on Monday.

Çavuşoğlu said that a German parliamentary delegation could visit a NATO base in Konya but suggested it was not yet possible for them to go to the Incirlik base in southern Turkey.

"At the moment a visit to the NATO base in Konya is possible, rather than Incirlik. If relations normalize, İncirlik Air Base could be visited by a German delegation," Çavuşoğlu said.

Turkey blocked German lawmakers from visiting troops stationed at İncirlik Air Base in retaliation to German authorities’ decision to grant asylum to Turkish soldiers involved in Turkey’s July 15 failed coup attempt.

“We do not have a problem with Germany and Europe. We have many agreements. There are more than 3.5 million Turks living in Germany. There is no reason to have problems with our Germany,” said Çavuşoğlu.

“German-Turkish relations are going through a difficult patch, though they were excellent. Germany wants to cooperate on other issues with Turkey,” Gabriel said.

“In this situation, we have to transfer German troops out of İncirlik. Parliament will ask government to find another base for the German troops currently stationed in İncirlik,” he added.

The German foreign minister also said, “The process of moving out of İncirlik will begin, and we want to do this peacefully with Turkey.”

“There is a rhetoric against Turkey in Germany. This manifests as racism, which is a problem in Europe. We want this to be overcome,” said Çavuşoğlu.

The number of violent acts against Turks in Germany has risen over the recent years.

Commenting on the case of German-Turkish journalist Deniz Yucel, whom Turkey arrested in February on a charge of spreading terrorist propaganda, Çavuşoğlu said it was a matter for the courts.

"Our independent judiciary is carrying out the process. The judiciary will make the decision on Yucel," Cavusoglu told a news conference with his German counterpart.

“The PKK is also a criminal organization in Germany. It is also dangerous for us. We have banned the PKK in our country,” said the German foreign minister.

“We will reevaluate the cases of those suspected of being involved in Turkey’s coup attempt, as requested by Turkey. We are bound to clear evidence against those involved in the coup attempt. Courts will assess the applications of asylum seekers,” he added.

Turkish foreign minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu said the people seeking asylum in Germany connected with the failed coup must be extradited to Turkey.

Çavuşoğlu also remarked on the rift between Qatar and Arab states.

"We see the stability in the Gulf region as our own unity and solidarity," Çavuşoğlu told a news conference.

"Countries may of course have some issues, but dialogue must continue under every circumstance for problems to be resolved peacefully. We are saddened by the current picture and will give any support for its normalization," Çavuşoğlu said.