Earlier in the day, German media reported that Ankara had approved the visit of the German delegation to the base in Konya, where German military personnel is stationed. Tensions flared up in mid-July after Turkey banned the Bundestag Defense Committee from conducting the visit to the base. Also in July, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg unveiled a proposal to arrange the German delegation's visit within the Alliance's framework.
"No, because there are a lot of bilateral problems between Germany and Turkey… The German government needs to discuss openly the problems with the Turkish government. By now we see only Germany to make concessions for concessions," Neu said, answering a question about the possibilities of a thaw between Ankara and Berlin following the approval of the visit.
"The Left Party deeply criticizes this 'solution.' The German government delivers its sovereign rights and commitments of deciding and organizing this trip," Neu stressed.
The ties between Ankara and Berlin have been deteriorating in recent months, as Germany made a decision to ban Turkish pre-referendum rallies on its soil, and Turkey refused to allow German lawmakers to visit the Incirlik base in southeastern Turkey, where German troops are stationed.
