Turkish PM, Merkel discuss Germany's rally ban

KIRSEHIR, Turkey (AA) - Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said he and German Chancellor Angela Merkel discussed the recent rally ban crisis between the two countries in a phone call on Saturday.

Speaking to reporters in central Kirsehir province, Yildirim said the phone conversation lasted longer than expected.

"We will follow a slightly different path from now on regarding future events [rallies]. The foreign ministers of two countries will meet next week to clarify this issue," Yildirim said.

Earlier this week, Germany banned planned rallies of Turkish officials for April 16 referendum on constitutional changes.

On Thursday, the municipality of Gaggenau in southwest Germany revoked its permission for Turkish Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag's meeting, citing concerns about overcrowding. This prompted Bozdag to cancel his planned visit to Germany altogether.

Economy Minister Nihat Zeybekci’s planned address on Sunday to a Turkish community in western city of Cologne was also cancelled by local authorities over security concerns.

The move has drawn strong criticism from the Turkish government and opposition parties alike.