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Germany urges Turkey talk to oppositions after referendum victory

Xinhua, April 17, 2017 Adjust font size:

The German government on Monday urged Turkey to hold "respectful dialogues" with different political factions in Turkey after the narrow referendum victory.

In a joint statement, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel said that the outcome of the vote has indicated a "deeply divided" Turkish society.

Therefore, "the German government expects the Turkish government to look for a respectful dialogue with all political and social groups in the country," according to the statement.

It also stressed the importance of the political talks between Turkey and the European Union regarding the implementation of the constitutional changes.

During Sunday's vote, about 51.35 percent backed the constitutional changes, compared to 48.65 percent for the "no" side, according to figures by state-run Anadolu Agency.

The constitutional reforms were set to grant more power to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The amendments to the constitution are likely to allow Erdogan to hold the office for two more terms until 2029.

Many of the votes are coming from the Turks residing overseas in Germany, reportedly at 1.6 million.

Berlin has been critical of the referendum and somehow sees it as an undemocratic move. Some German states and cities have blocked campaigns on their soil before Sunday's vote, severely straining the ties between Ankara and Berlin. Endit