Political Expert: German militaries leaving Indjirlik is the result of complex change of relations of Ankara with Western Partners
ArmInfo. German militaries leaving Indjirlik base in Turkey is the result of complex change of
relations of Ankara with Western Partners, United States and certain countries of EU. Such an opinion was stated by Sergey Minasyan, the director of Institute for Caucasus, in his conversation with ArmInfo reporter.
According to him, Turkey will try to change the level of relations
with partners, but within this will continue its cooperation with EU
due to some issues - such as the refugee problem. The expert thinks
also that the political situation inside Turkey has also affected
the relations between Ankara and Berlin, including the processes in
respect to Constitution referendum, and critics of Berlin regarding
the modifications to Turkish Constitution, which, according to German
democracies, essentially reduce many rights and freedoms. " I think
that negotiations in respect to Indjirlik base will be complicated,"
the political expert stated.
At the same time he could hardly say if parties could overcome
existing disagreements and get back to the previous level of
cooperation or German troops will leave Germany anyway. To mention.
Sigmar Gabriel, the German Foreign Minister, today arrived to Ankara
to discuss the issue of German Air Forces presence at Indjirlik base.
After holding negotiations with his Turkish counterpart, Sigmar
stated that parties could not resolve disputable issues existing
between them in respect to German law makers visits to Indjirlik
base, and that means that Berlin should withdraw German troops.
German Minister said he is regretful, but asks to understand that
due to internal political reasons we have to relocate our troops.
In the nearest future German Parliament will issue the Government
a mandate to search for a new location of Air Base.
The second stage of the conflict regarding Indjirlik base occurred
between Germany and Turkey in May, when the Parliamentary delegation
on Defense from Germany was not allowed to visit Indjirlik base.
Turkish Government took this step when Berlin gave a shelter to some
Turkish military servicemen. Turkish President Erdogan stated also
that German troops withdrawal from Indjirlik does not generate any
problems for Turkey .
To remind, the first stage of the conflict between Ankara and Berlin
occurred between Germany and Turkey during last Summer, when German
Parliament adopted the resolution on adjudication and condemnation of
Armenian Genocide. At the same time German law makers were
prohibited to visit the base, and Turkey called back its Ambassador
from Berlin.
Indjirlik base is one of key military bases of USA and NATO in the
region, with coalition aircraft forces based. The German military
personnel at Indjirlik base totals 260 persons.