Turkey denies claims German firms under investigation

By Satuk Bugra Kutlugun

ANKARA (AA) - Prime Minister Binali Yildirim on Friday denied claims 68 German firms in Turkey were under investigation.

Yildirim made the remarks in response to German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel's statement on Thursday that Berlin would not encourage German businessmen to invest in Turkey, nor would it provide investment guarantees to German companies.

Speaking to journalists in Ankara, the premier said: "These companies are owned by German individuals, but they are [run by] Turks. Some of them have been in operating in Turkey for over half a century."

He also called for not making "worrying statements" targeting businessmen keen on investing in Turkey.