Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan rebuked German Chancellor Angela Merkel for using the expression “Islamist terrorism”, saying the phrase was not correct and saddened Muslims.
Speaking after a meeting with Erdogan, Merkel spoke of the need for Turkey and Germany to cooperate even further to fight against terror, including “Islamist terrorism” and Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) militants.
"Such an expression is not correct because Islam and terror cannot be associated. The meaning of Islam is peace," the President stressed.
Erdogan said it would be 'saddening' if the term was used because of the crimes of ISIS. "Please let's not use it. As long as it is used we need to stand against it. As a Muslim president personally I cannot accept that,' he said.
Erdogan also urged Germany to take necessary steps against Gülenist Terror Group (FETÖ) members in the country, who are being sought by Turkey for their involvement in the failed coup attempt on July 15.
"When it comes to FETÖ, whatever the PKK and its affiliates, the Democratic Union Party (PYD) and its armed wing the People's Protection Units (YPG), are, FETÖ is the same," the Daily Sabah Erdogan as saying.
"We've sent the US 85 boxes of evidence and we are still waiting for a legal decision," Erdogan added, calling on the German authorities to speed up the legal processes as justice delayed is justice not served.
