MOSCOW (Sputnik) — The politician noted in the interview that such a measure should be the product of a balanced decision of the European Union as a whole, and one that would work in the long-term.
"For example, I think that it is possible that we freeze the foreign assets of Edogan's clan… We are freezing the assets of Russian oligarchs, but we do nothing in relation to Turkey," Kiesewetter told the broadcaster.
The relations between Berlin and Ankara have become tense in recent months after Germany banned Ankara from holding pre-referendum rallies on German soil, and Turkey refused to allow German lawmakers' visit the Incirlik base in southeastern Turkey, where German troops are stationed. Berlin later decided to withdraw its troops from the Turkey base.
The situation grew worse in early July after Ankara detained German human rights activist Peter Steudtner and five other activists, including Amnesty International's Turkey director Idil Eser, on allegations of aiding a terrorist group. In response to these measures, Germany vowed to review Berlin's policy toward Ankara, targeting economic and investment programs.
