Turkey issues travel warning for Turkish citizens in Germany

ISTANBUL – Turkey’s foreign ministry has issued a travel warning for Turkish citizens living in or travelling to Germany, citing increased right-wing and racist rhetoric ahead of Germany’s Sept. 24 parliamentary election.

In a statement Saturday, the ministry said German candidates have shaped their election campaigns on anti-Turkish discourse to prevent Turkey’s membership in the European Union. It also cited fires of “undetermined causes” in immigrant neighbourhoods in Germany as well as alleged ill-treatment of Turkish citizens at German airports as a basis for its warning.

The ministry repeated its allegation that Germany was harbouring terror groups, including outlawed Kurdish militants and the network of U.S.-based cleric Fethullah Gulen, which Turkey blames for last summer’s failed coup. Gulen denies the claim.

The statement urged Turkish citizens to exercise caution and avoid political meetings.