Angela Merkel “Appalled” by Turkey’s Harsh Crackdown on Protests

Local Editor

German Chancellor Angela Merkel stated on Monday that she was shocked at Turkey's tough response to anti-government protests.

"I would like to see those who have criticism, who have a different opinion and a different idea of society, having some space in a Turkey that moves into the 21st century," Merkel said.

Asked whether Ankara's response to the protests was in line with the way an EU accession candidate should act, Merkel said, "What's happening in Turkey at the moment is not in line with our idea of the freedom to demonstrate or freedom of speech."

EU officials say Germany is reluctant to open a new area of negotiation with Turkey this month.

On the Syrian file, Merkel reiterated her position that Germany would not arm militias fighting Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

"We do not supply weapons ourselves. We do not contribute to that. That's against our rules," Merkel said.

Source: News Agencies, edited by website team