The German government is deploying 1,500 police in anticipation of protests against Erdogan.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz welcomed Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Berlin today, marking Erdogan’s first visit to Germany in three years, The Financial Times reported.
The timing of the meeting adds an extra layer of sensitivity as it unfolds against the backdrop of the Israeli aggression against Gaza: with the two NATO member states sympathizing with opposing sides.
Erdogan’s recent remarks condemning “Israel” and accusing the occupation of “fascism”, with Scholz describing the claims as “absurd”, have strained diplomatic relations between the two states.
Furthermore, the Turkish President’s strong language, labeling those not speaking out against Israeli aggression as being complicit in the crimes, directly clashes with Germany’s commitment to Israeli security and existence as a “raison d’état” for Berlin’s foreign policy.
Source: AlMayadeen
