Hunger strikes are just a show, says Turkish PM

ISTANBUL

AA Photo

The ongoing hunger strikes are just a show, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said during a joint press conference with German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Oct. 31.

"There are no hunger strikes," Erdoğan said. "My minister went over there and observed them. It's a complete show. Half of them already gave up. All our health personnel are there [now] to help the rest."

"You can not destroy law anywhere in the world with such shows," Erdoğan said.
 
PM thanks Germany for support against the PKK
 
At the same press conference Erdoğan expressed his gratitude for Germany’s continued support against the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK).

"Germany promised to increase their support for our struggle against the PKK," Erdoğan told members of the press. "We thank them. We demand criminals be given back according to agreements signed with the EU."

Chancellor Merkel also repeated Germany's commitment to Turkey's fight against the PKK.

Merkel then spoke about Turkey's bid for EU membership during the conference, describing the European Union as an "honest partner."

"The progression report has been written. There are many important points on that," Merkel said.