(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) BERLIN, Sept 12 (KUNA) -- German Chancellor Angela Merkel rejected on Tuesday a complete ban on arms' exports to Turkey, despite tension between the two countries.
In a statement, Merkel said she rejected a total ban on arms exports to NATO ally Ankara, adding that such sales had already been restricted, but Turkey remained a key ally in the fight against so-called Islamic State (IS).
Merkel added that Germany would decide on arms sales requests from Turkey on a case-by-case basis.
She also said she saw no reason to impose a travel warning for Germans travelling to Turkey, but said Berlin would keep its options open.
Yesterday, German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel said that they have put on hold all big requests that Turkey has sent and "these are really not a few." Germany has put all major arms exports to Turkey on hold, due to claims of human rights violations by Turkey, stepping up the ongoing dispute between the two countries.
The decision prompted a swift reaction from Ankara, with Turkey's EU Minister Omer Celik telling reporters that it weakens Ankara's fight against terrorism and makes Europe more vulnerable. (end) anj.mb
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