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German Foreign Minister: Turkey should Honor Constitutional Principles in its Investigations | ASHARQ AL-AWSAT English Archive 2005 -2017
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German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier addresses the media after talks in Berlin on October 15, 2015. AFP PHOTO / TOBIAS SCHWARZ


Riyadh – German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said that the Turkish government holds responsibility of staying loyal to the democratic constitutional principles during the investigations.

Steinmeier said that recent meeting in Washington aims at coordinating international efforts to liberate areas under ISIS control in both Syria and Iraq.

The minister told Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper that any success in the face of terrorism won’t last unless stability was achieved in the area as soon as possible.

Regarding the hundreds of missing citizens in the recaptured Fallujah, Steinmeier stressed that Iraqi government should regain the trust of civilians.

When asked about his evaluation of the coup in Turkey, Steinmeier said that all EU countries condemned the coup. He added that he was impressed with the parliament’s immediate commitment to democratic principles.

The government is responsible of maintaining constitutional principles during the investigations.

The foreign minister praised the Turkish people’s response to Friday night’s failed coup attempt. He recognized the courage of thousands of demonstrators who took to the streets early Saturday in protest at the attempted coup.

Regarding the Iraq donor meeting of 24 countries held in Washington today, Steinmeier said that the aim is to continue to fight ISIS. He believed that military success won’t last unless situations in recaptured areas were stabilized.

Steinmeier also said that the international community should, firstly, commit to fighting ISIS, and secondly, provide residence and supplies for all displaced civilians.

In addition, the minister believes that demining the areas and constructing security facility is as much important to help facilitate the return of the displaced.

The foreign minister explained that Germany helped stabilize the situation in Iraq more than any other country. Yet, he admitted that it is not enough. The international community should also work harder for that.

Germany is expected to donate over half billion dollars to help Iraqi citizens between 2016 and 2017.

He then plead all partners to generously help the Iraqi people.

As for Syria, the minister believed that the challenge is in returning to politics and ensuring that humanitarian aids reach the intended areas. He added that during the upcoming week there will be important discussions about these matters.

He explained hat the eastern part of Aleppo has been cut off the outside world completely, and thus it is important to return to the political process as soon as possible to ensure humanitarian aids reach all areas.

As for missing civilians in recaptured Fallujah, the minister said that the government should gain the trust of the civilians.

According to the minister, ISIS won’t be defeated unless all sectarian violent acts are rejected. He considered that it is an important condition that all government employees and security forces act according to the law and justice.

The foreign minister said that some of Popular Mobilizaiton Forces (PMF) members participated in liberating Fallujah and they accused of violating human rights. He added that this matter has been discussed with the Iraqi government that promised to take serious measures. The minister said that Germany will follow up this matter and welcomes any investigation for that matter.

Finally, Steinmeier said that any cooperation is welcomed especially the German-Saudi-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) as part of the international coalition against ISIS.