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Germany concerned about increasing polarization in Turkey: gov't spokesman

Xinhua, May 21, 2016 Adjust font size:

The German government is eyeing the increasing polarization of Turkish domestic politics with concern, said a spokesman here Friday.

The remarks of German government spokesman Steffen Seibert came following a vote in Turkey on a controversial constitutional amendment which would strip dozens of lawmakers of legal immunity. The action could lead to legislators being prosecuted.

"For the domestic stability of every democracy, it is important that all relevant groups in society are represented in parliament," said Seibert at a press conference.

"Not only free media, but also the broad participation of all relevant groups in society has a central role in every vibrant democracy. This applies particularly also to their elected representatives who must be able to exercise their mandate freely and independently," he added.

The German government, the spokesman noted, is troubled by the "increasing polarization of the internal political debate in Turkey."

The spokesman added recent domestic developments in the country would be raised by German Chancellor Angela Merkel when she meets Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan next Monday on the sidelines of a humanitarian summit. Endit