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 | Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. Aliyev says no need for mediators in Armenia-Azerbaijan process Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev believes that Baku and Yerevan do not mediators in the process of normalizing relations. Aram I supports Karekin II’s “patriotic position” Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia Aram I has expressed support for the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. |