Turkey's Erdogan compares German rally bans to NazisMarch 6, 2017 - 11:19 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan blasted Germany on Sunday, March 5 for blocking rallies in support of him ahead of an April vote on boosting his powers, likening it to Nazi practices, AFP reports. The attack came a day after German Chancellor called Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim to try to defuse the row, which is severely straining ties between the NATO allies. A number of local authorities in Germany have banned rallies ahead of an April 16 referendum on whether to approve changes to the constitution. "Germany, you are not even close to democracy," Erdogan told a women's rally in Istanbul. "Your practices are not different from the Nazi practices of the past," he said. "I thought it's been a long time since Germany left (Nazi practices). We are mistaken," he said. Several German towns prevented appearances by Erdogan's ministers last week, citing security and safety concerns. The cancellations have infuriated the Turkish government, which accused Berlin of working against the "Yes" campaign in the referendum and summoned the German ambassador to the foreign ministry in protest. Chancellor Merkel called the Turkish premier on Saturday and the two countries' foreign ministers are set to meet later this week. Germany is home to the biggest population of Turks outside Turkey with around three million in the country of Turkish origin, the legacy of a massive "guest worker" programme in the 1960s-70s. Related links: 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 | Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. Armenia, Russia discuss life extension of Metsamor nuclear plant Issues regarding the extension of life of the 2nd power unit of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant were discussed in Yerevan. Armenians stage more campaigns against territorial concessions to Azerbaijan Protesters blocked more roads across Armenia on Friday, April 26 in continuing attempts to scuttle territorial concessions to Azerbaijan. |