Ankara (AFP) – German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Thursday urged Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to ensure full freedom of expression in Turkey, ahead of a crucial referendum on constitutional change.
Making her first visit to Turkey since July’s failed coup, Merkel held tense talks with Erdogan seeking to repair a key relationship battered by a series of crises over the last months.
But as Turkey prepares for an expected April referendum on constitutional changes that opponents fear will grant Erdogan one-man rule, the splits on key issues between the two NATO allies were still wide.
Ankara (AFP) – German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Thursday urged Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to ensure full freedom of expression in Turkey, ahead of a crucial referendum on constitutional change.
Making her first visit to Turkey since July’s failed coup, Merkel held tense talks with Erdogan seeking to repair a key relationship battered by a series of crises over the last months.
But as Turkey prepares for an expected April referendum on constitutional changes that opponents fear will grant Erdogan one-man rule, the splits on key issues between the two NATO allies were still wide.