Azernews.Az

By Kamila Aliyeva

A new dispute between Ankara and Berlin has arisen as Germany refused to allow Turkish president to hold a rally for Turkish community in the country.

This decision caused great concerns and discontent among Turkish authorities and opposition.

Recep Tayyip Erdogan will visit the country to attend the G20 summit to be held in Hamburg on July 7-8. Erdogan was expected to address the representatives of the Turkish community on the second day of the summit.

Turkish media outlets reported that Germany stands against Erdogan’s speech to be delivered to representatives of the Turkish community.

Later, it was reported that in response to Germany’s decision, the Turkish president may cancel his visit.

However, a source in the Turkish presidential administration told Trend that Erdogan does not consider cancelling his visit to Hamburg.

Meanwhile, Leader of the Turkish opposition Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) Devlet Bahceli criticized the position of Germany about the expected speech of Erdogan.

“Erdogan represents Turkey, and any negative decision in his respect can be assessed as an attack against Turkey. Germany should know that the decision to ban President Erdogan's speech will not remain unanswered," he said.

The Turkish Foreign Ministry also criticized the position of Germany over the speech of Erdogan. The Ministry said in a statement that "it is regrettable that German politicians make unacceptable remarks motivated it seems by political calculations".

The spokesman of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) led by Erdogan said there was "nothing more natural" than the president meeting Turks in Germany.

Currently 3.5 million Turks live in Germany, according to official data.

The ties between two NATO allies have been strained since the failed coup in Turkey last July, and tensions have worsened over multiple issues including a referendum campaign to expand Turkish President's powers. German authorities banned some Turkish ministers from campaigning for ethnic Turk votes in Germany during the April referendum.

The relations deteriorated further after Ankara blocked a group of German lawmakers from visiting the servicemen at the Incirlik Air Base.

This month Germany decided to withdraw its troops from NATO partner Turkey's Incirlik base and move them to Jordan.

---

Kamila Aliyeva is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Kami_Aliyeva