German Chancellor Angela Merkel has stressed the importance of freedom of opinion in talks with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, during a visit meant to help improve frayed ties between the two NATO allies.
In her first trip to Ankara since a failed military coup in Turkey last July, Merkel said on Thursday she had discussed Syria and Iraq with Erdogan and that they had agreed on the need for closer cooperation in the fight against terrorism.
Germany and Turkey have been at odds over Ankara's crackdown on dissidents since the abortive July 15 coup, as well as its claims - rejected by Berlin - that Germany is harbouring Kurdish and far-leftist militants.
"With the (attempted) putsch, we saw how the Turkish people stood up for democracy and for the rules of democracy," Merkel told a news conference, when asked about concern over proposed constitutional changes that would strengthen Erdogan's powers.
"In such a time of profound political upheaval, everything must be done to continue to protect the separation of powers and above all freedom of opinion and the diversity of society," she said, adding she had also raised the issue of press freedom.
"Opposition is part of democracy," Merkel said.
Turkey's allies, including Germany, fear Erdogan is using the coup attempt as a pretext to curtail dissent.
Erdogan's opponents also fear the planned constitutional changes, expected to be put to a referendum in April, will lead to an authoritarian state.
Erdogan told the same news conference he expected to receive a bill from parliament on the constitutional proposals later on Thursday or on Friday. Once he approves it, the electoral commission will set a date for the referendum.
"It is out of the question for the separation of powers to be abolished," he said of the proposals, which would replace Turkey's parliamentary system with an executive presidency.
Erdogan also said that Turkey may provide evidence to the German authorities after around 40 mostly high-ranking Turkish soldiers who worked at NATO facilities in Germany were reported to have requested asylum.
Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Veysi Kaynak said on Wednesday that Berlin was sheltering members of what Ankara calls the "Gulenist Terrorist Organisation" (FETO), the network of US-based Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen, which Turkey blames for last July's coup bid. Gulen denies involvement.
"If the Gulenists involved in the coup are fleeing to Germany, the justice ministry may send information and documents," Erdogan said, adding that the United States should take quicker action on an extradition request for Gulen.
