ArmInfo. German militaries leaving Indjirlik base in Turkey is the result of complex change of relations of Ankara with Western Partners, United States and certain countries of EU. Such an opinion was stated by Sergey Minasyan, the director of Institute for Caucasus, in his conversation with ArmInfo reporter.
According to him, Turkey will try to change the level of relations with partners, but within this will continue its cooperation with EU due to some issues - such as the refugee problem. The expert thinks also that the political situation inside Turkey has also affected the relations between Ankara and Berlin, including the processes in respect to Constitution referendum, and critics of Berlin regarding the modifications to Turkish Constitution, which, according to German democracies, essentially reduce many rights and freedoms. " I think that negotiations in respect to Indjirlik base will be complicated," the political expert stated.
At the same time he could hardly say if parties could overcome existing disagreements and get back to the previous level of cooperation or German troops will leave Germany anyway. To mention. Sigmar Gabriel, the German Foreign Minister, today arrived to Ankara to discuss the issue of German Air Forces presence at Indjirlik base. After holding negotiations with his Turkish counterpart, Sigmar stated that parties could not resolve disputable issues existing between them in respect to German law makers visits to Indjirlik base, and that means that Berlin should withdraw German troops. German Minister said he is regretful, but asks to understand that due to internal political reasons we have to relocate our troops. In the nearest future German Parliament will issue the Government a mandate to search for a new location of Air Base.
The second stage of the conflict regarding Indjirlik base occurred between Germany and Turkey in May, when the Parliamentary delegation on Defense from Germany was not allowed to visit Indjirlik base. Turkish Government took this step when Berlin gave a shelter to some Turkish military servicemen. Turkish President Erdogan stated also that German troops withdrawal from Indjirlik does not generate any problems for Turkey .
To remind, the first stage of the conflict between Ankara and Berlin occurred between Germany and Turkey during last Summer, when German Parliament adopted the resolution on adjudication and condemnation of Armenian Genocide. At the same time German law makers were prohibited to visit the base, and Turkey called back its Ambassador from Berlin.
Indjirlik base is one of key military bases of USA and NATO in the region, with coalition aircraft forces based. The German military personnel at Indjirlik base totals 260 persons.