Erdogan to explain Merkel bill on denying genocide "contradicts international law"

PanARMENIAN.Net - Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan during his meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Germany, will raise his government's concerns over a new bill that would toughen requirements for Turkish immigrants to settle in Germany. Zaman reports, the bill, approved by the German Cabinet last month, would require the spouses of residents to pass a language test before being allowed to settle in Germany. It allows exemptions for several countries, including Australia, South Korea and Honduras.



The German presidency's plans to put into force EU-wide legislation that would introduce penalties for denial of the crime of genocide are also on Erdogan's agenda. Turkey is concerned at the implications of this legislation, fearing that the Armenian Genocide at the hands of the Ottoman Empire could also be covered by it. Erdogan is expected to "explain" Merkel that the legislation "contradicts international law and that it would restrict academic freedom and freedom of expression if endorsed". He is also expected to warn Merkel that its passage would further complicate Turkey's relations with the EU, the newspaper reported.