Germany pulls troops and aircraft from Turkish airbases in row with Ankara
Read original article on The Independent or read some of the key points below;
- Germany will pull all of its troops and aircraft from its Turkish airbase amid a diplomatic row with Ankara, defence minister Ursula von der Leyen has announced.
- Around 270 troops stationed at Incirlik, near the Syrian border, as well as Tornado reconnaissance jets and a refuelling plane, will be moved to Jordan over the next two months. Ms Von der Leyen said, “Given that Turkey is currently not in a position to allow German parliamentarians the right to visit Incirlik, the Cabinet today agreed to move the Bundeswehr from Incirlik to Jordan.”
- Tensions between Berlin and Ankara have mounted in recent weeks after Turkish officials refused to let German MPs visit troops stationed at the base.
- The arrest of German journalists in Turkey and Germany’s decision to grant asylum to soldiers and others who Turkey alleges were involved in last year’s failed coup have also contributed to the diplomatic standoff. Both sides took part in last ditch talks aimed at maintaining Germany’s presence at the airbase, from where its aircraft contribute to the anti-Isis mission.
- Foreign minister Sigmar Gabriel was in Turkey on Monday in an attempt to convince Ankara to soften its stance, but said Turkey had refused the visits for “domestic political reasons”. He said he had wanted to avoid further damaging ties with Turkey and pushing it towards Russia.
