Merkel urges Germany-based Turks to be loyal to BerlinAugust 23, 2016 - 13:18 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Chancellor Angela Merkel urged people with Turkish roots who are longtime German residents to be loyal to Germany, while pledging in comments published Tuesday, August 23 also to listen to their concerns, the Associated Press reports. Merkel's comments come during a tense period in German-Turkish relations and amid concerns that domestic political arguments in Turkey could spill onto German streets. Ankara was angered by the German Parliament's vote in June to label the killings of Armenians by Ottoman Turks a century ago as genocide. It also has bristled at criticism of the scope of its crackdown following a coup attempt, and complained of a lack of support from the West. Germany is home to roughly 3 million people with Turkish roots. "We expect of people of Turkish origin who have long lived in Germany that they develop a high degree of loyalty to our country," Merkel was quoted as telling the daily Ruhr Nachrichten. "We try to have an open ear for their concerns and to understand them," she added, noting that the government "keeps in close contact with immigrant organizations." Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Erdogan wants “realistic road map” for relations with Armenia Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has called for a “new realistic road map” for relations with Armenia. Armenia-Azerbaijan: Experts launch work on determining coordinates Expert groups from the countries started the process of determining the coordinates based on geodetic measurements. Yerevan says did not expect CSTO in peacekeeping role Pashinyan has declared that the CSTO would be expected to come to the Armenia-Azerbaijan border as an ally of Armenia Henrikh Mkhitaryan wins Serie A title with Inter Inter Milan midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan admits that the team have long been imagining clinching Serie A against AC Milan. |