Germany bans Erdogan from addressing ethnic Turks outside G20 summit

German officials have rejected a request by Turkish President Rajab Tayyib Erdoghan to address ethnic Turks in Germany, citing security concerns and strained relations between the two countries.

German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel said Thursday that Berlin had received a request from Turkey if there would be a possibility for Erdoghan to speak to members of the Turkish diaspora in Germany next week when he travels to the EU country to attend a G20 summit.

“I explained weeks ago to my Turkish colleagues that we don't think that would be a good idea,” Gabriel said, adding, “I also said quite frankly that such an appearance would not be appropriate given the current adversarial situation with Turkey.”

The top German diplomat, who was on a trip to Russia, said stretched police resources would be needed around the G20 summit in Hamburg on July 7-8, effectively making it difficult for German authorities to ensure security of an Erdoghan speech. He stressed that Erdoghan would, however, be "received with honors" at the summit.

Tensions have soured between Berlin and Ankara since a failed coup in Turkey in July last year. Germany has repeatedly criticized Turkey for a massive crackdown that was launched right after the coup, saying the action has been carried out beyond the rule of law.

The two countries have also clashed on several other issues, including Germany’s alleged support for Kurdish opponents and a referendum in Turkey last April, which gave Erdoghan sweeping new powers.

SS