German Foreign Minister Walter Steinmeier has announced that he will visit Turkey next week. According to him, it is important not to “slam door” before Ankara, although Berlin is not happy with the developments in Turkey, after the attempted coup, reports the Reuters. 

Steinmeier considers that suspension of negotiations on Turkey's accession to the EU would be harmful for both the citizens and the government of Turkey. "If we slam the door and throw away the keys, it will disappoint many people in Turkey, those who see their future in Europe, hoping to get help and support from us, especially now," he said. Meanwhile, Steinmeier repeated that the restoration of the death penalty in Turkey would mean the end of negotiations on the Turkish membership with the EU.

He noted that Berlin will continue putting pressure on Ankara to respect the rule of law. "We want to have good relationships with Turkey, but the reality is changing, and we have to change our policy accordingly." According to Steinmeier Germany is taking steps to assist to strengthen the civil society in Turkey. It gives an opportunity for academics, journalists, and artists to continue their work in Germany, in case they are unable to work in Turkey.