QA-14, 31 May 2014

The intertwined relations between Turkey and Germany in all areas, particularly the presence of a Turkish community of almost three million people in Germany, the fact that thousands of Germans reside in Turkey and that both countries are among each other’s priority economic partners, perpetuate mutual interaction and dialogue. Intense contacts between Turkey and Germany lead to challenges as well as to cooperation opportunities. Developments in either of the countries affect both societies and are subject to close scrutiny.

In such an environment where policies mutually affect and shape one another, it is natural that when a politician in Germany expresses an opinion on statements and policies of Turkish politicians, Turkish politicians use their right of reply. Expecting Turkish politicians to take a passive attitude and not to respond to criticisms is incompatible with a democratic approach.