MESOP FLASH : German authorities review the ban on the PKK / trial test & talks with Ankara

Berlin – MESOP – 2.6.2013 – In secret negotiations with Turkey, German security authorities are reviewing the ban on the activity of the left-extremist PKK (Kurdistan Workers’ Party), imposed in 1993.

Members of the Interior Ministry of the German Bundestag like Franz Josef Jung (CDU) and Dieter Wiefelspütz (SPD) have pointed to consultations, which suggest that the VS had originally expressed vehement opposition against the PKK ban. They are now “testing” the Turkish reaction. The latter being negative for sure, but possibly only towards outside – as the legalisation of the PKK in the foreseeable future would allow the Erdogan government to lead more relaxed talks and negotiations with the PKK.

The deputy responsible in the interior ministry, Hans Georg Engelke, recently travelled to the central Turkish department of security in Ankara, with leading members of the Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV) and the Criminal Police Office (BKA). With the military pressure on the PKK being now more relaxed and with the sought-for reconciliation with the Kurds in Turkey, the Germans are now expected to now deal in a friendlier manner with the military group banned for the last 20 years.  A leading member of State Security told Focus: Turkey are now calling for supporting measures for the new course of action towards the PKK. The German side are pointing to the numerous contract killings, organised riots and attacks, which the PKK had carried out over the past decades.

Focus: German authorities review the ban on the PKK

The Interior Ministry disclaims reports – 2. 6.2013 – In light of Turkey’s peace talks with the rebel group PKK, German security authorities are reviewing to lift the ban on PKK, according to a report in a magazine. The deputy responsible in the interior ministry, Hans Georg Engelke, recently travelled to the central Turkish department of security in Ankara, with leading members of the Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV) and the Criminal Police Office (BKA), reported Focus in Saturday’s most recent issue making reference to government circles. Turkey expects Germany “to deal in a friendlier manner” with the PKK, banned since 1993.

Translated from original German