Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier issued the following statement today (16 July) on the situation in Turkey:

“We are deeply concerned about the recent developments in Turkey. I condemn in the strongest possible terms any attempt to use violent means to change Turkey’s democratic foundations. I call upon everyone involved to respect Turkey’s democratic institutions and to comply with the constitutional order. All those in positions of responsibility must uphold democracy and the rule of law and ensure that further bloodshed is prevented. It is encouraging that the parties represented in the Turkish Parliament have affirmed their commitment to the principles of democracy.”