The Meeting of Turkish Consuls General in the Western European Countries was held in Berlin under the chair of Mr. Ahmet Davutoğlu, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkey. 31 Consuls General of Turkey serving in Western Europe as well as the Presidents of Turkish Grand National Assembly Friendship Groups with these countries and the representatives of every institution with which the Ministry of Foreign Affairs cooperates with regard to services to Turkish citizens living abroad participated in the meeting.

Fundamental problems concerning Turkish citizens, such as children whose custody has been taken away from Turkish families, xenophobia, the organization of Turkish elections abroad, mother tongue education and vocational training, social problems of the Turkish community as well as the improvement of consular services were discussed in the Consuls General meeting.

Speaking at the open session of the meeting Foreign Minister Davutoğlu touched on the “Neo-Nazi” murders in Germany and said “We have never accused a nation as a whole. We do not blame the all Germans for the Neo-Nazi murders”. “Whole Europe, primarily Germany should make a serious self-criticism and renew their consciences” said Foreign Minister Davutoğlu pointing out that the National Socialist Underground (NSU) case allows the Europe and Germany to analyze the developments.

Referring to the importance of protecting family unity in his speech, Foreign Minister Davutoğlu recalled the Turkish children who were taken from their families and were placed with a foster family in the European countries. “A lost territory can be regained, but a lost generation cannot” said Foreign Minister Davutoğlu stressed that in this regard, Turkish government is determined to take all necessary measures.

Emphasizing that Turkish people are the fundamental components of the European continent Foreign Minister Davutoğlu said that “Turkish people are the fundamental and indispensable components of this continent and will continue to be. It is impossible to expatriate them, intimidate them or offend them. On the contrary, it is possible to benefit from them.”

Foreign Minister Davutoğlu also had contacts with the families of the NSU victims and said that Turkey is ready to provide any assistance for them. Emphasizing that the racist attacks should not go unpunished, “We will show required sensitivity to a fair trial” said Foreign Minister Davutoğlu.