ERBIL, Kurdistan Region — In light of German-made tanks being seen in Turkey's assault on the Kurdish-canton of Afrin, Berlin will halt future talks about shipments of tanks to Ankara because "we are not allowed to deliver into areas of tension."
"The federal government is very concerned about the military conflict in northern Syria," Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel told Der Spiegel, a German media firm.
Turkey began its Operation Olive Branch on Saturday in an assault on the Kurdish-controlled canton of Afrin in Syria. Leopard tanks were photographed participating in the assault.
Turkey and Germany had been in talks since early 2017 to upgrade Ankara's current fleet of German-manufactured Leopard tanks.
"As far as the current discussions about armaments exports are concerned, it is clear to the federal government that we are not allowed to and will not deliver into areas of tension,” added Gabriel.
Germany withdrew its air forces from Incirlik base last year, citing the inability of German MPs to inspect the facility.
"The federal government is in agreement," said Gabriel, "We do not anticipate the outcome of the ongoing joint negotiations and wait with the consultation of critical projects to the new formation of a government."
The assault, which relies on Turkey’ Free Syrian Army proxies on the ground, has killed at least 30 civilians, according to the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights on Wednesday.
The clashes have continued on Thursday.
"The federal government is very concerned about the military conflict in northern Syria," Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel told Der Spiegel, a German media firm.
Turkey began its Operation Olive Branch on Saturday in an assault on the Kurdish-controlled canton of Afrin in Syria. Leopard tanks were photographed participating in the assault.
Turkey and Germany had been in talks since early 2017 to upgrade Ankara's current fleet of German-manufactured Leopard tanks.
"As far as the current discussions about armaments exports are concerned, it is clear to the federal government that we are not allowed to and will not deliver into areas of tension,” added Gabriel.
Turkey and Germany are NATO allies, but their diplomatic and military relations have soured recently amid many spats including Turkey's detaining of journalists and Kurdish politicians.
Germany withdrew its air forces from Incirlik base last year, citing the inability of German MPs to inspect the facility.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Gabriel agreed that only the new coalition government should make any future potential deals.
"The federal government is in agreement," said Gabriel, "We do not anticipate the outcome of the ongoing joint negotiations and wait with the consultation of critical projects to the new formation of a government."
The assault, which relies on Turkey’ Free Syrian Army proxies on the ground, has killed at least 30 civilians, according to the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights on Wednesday.
The clashes have continued on Thursday.
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