The wave of criticism to supply Turkey with German weapons disproportionate with the volume of supply – German affairs expert

Avin Sheikhmous – North-Press Agency

After the Turkish military invasion in north-eastern Syria, Germany announced the suspension of arms exports to Turkey, describing the attack as contrary to the international law, nevertheless, Berlin re-exported arms to its NATO partner, Turkey.

Weapon for the Navy

Dr. Najat Abdulhaq, an expert in the German political and economic affairs, told North-Press regarding reports of  given permission to the German Ministry of Economy, to continue sending German weaponry to Turkey, despite the suspension decision, following the Turkish war against Kurdish areas in northern Syria. Abdul Haq added that the German Ministry of Economy reported that supplies to Turkey in the last eight months of this year, amounted to €250 million, ranking Turkey as number one in the list of importing arms from the German market. “All of these approved equipment are more closely associated with the navy, especially the submarines built by (ThyssenKrupp) for the Turkish Navy, and electronics related to surveillance devices and light weapons," she explained. She said that the German observers and experts reported that the use was minimal, as Germany had asked Turkey not to do so, as this was part of the maneuvering policy in Germany.

"Turkey is Germany's important NATO partner, and has not yet been removed, which forces allies to consult with each other on arms supplies," she noted.

“However, there are non-confirmed news regarding the presence of German weaponry in the hands of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in north-eastern Syria," Abdulhaq noted adding that the news did not touch on the passing of arms by Turkey to its affiliated Syrian armed opposition groups.

Refugees paper

The German expert spoke about Turkish President Erdogan's use of the refugees paper, saying that "no news were mentioned in this context, as the news of the supply of German weaponry to Turkey, came on the basis of accountability of the German Ministry of Economy within the German Parliament.” As for the reaction of the German people, she pointed out that the wave of protests over the Turkish military incursion in north-eastern Syria, "was at first very great, as massive demonstrations took the streets in all German cities and towns, especially in Berlin."

Objection of supplying Turkey

Dr. Najat Abdulhaq, said that there was an objection from civil society organizations which demanded peace and the withdrawal of weapons, and a halt to the supply of arms to Turkey. She clarified that there is a lot of criticism in this regard, but it's not commensurate with the volume of exportation.