Merkel seeks solution to new airbase dispute with Turkey

BERLIN – German Chancellor Angela Merkel says a dispute with Turkey over a visit by lawmakers to air crews at a NATO base is “decidedly unfortunate” and Berlin will work with NATO to defuse it.

Ankara blocked a visit planned Monday to German troops serving on AWACS surveillance planes in Konya. It asked for a delay, citing the tense state of German-Turkish bilateral relations.

Germany is moving aircraft stationed on a bilateral basis at Turkey’s Incirlik base after a dispute over lawmaker visits there. Some lawmakers are urging a withdrawal from Konya if Ankara doesn’t relent.

Merkel told ARD television Sunday: “Before we draw conclusions, we should first wait for talks and discuss these things with NATO’s help.” She made clear Germany would reject any demands linked to asylum applications by Turks.