Who does Merkel take on her plane?

Attention was directed at a corner of the room where we were as Prime Minister Merkel and her spokesman, Ulrich, were there. At about midnight when Merkel split, we all, including Bild’s Editor-in-Chief Kai, left for Berlin’s most popular restaurant called ADNAN (Schlüter str. 33, 10629 Berlin-Charlottenburg Telefon: 00 49 (0) 30 / 54710590).

Ulrich joined us as well. Ulrich plays the same role for Merkel as Akif Beki plays for Prime Minister Erdoğan. Everything is in his hands whether it be accreditation issues or invitations for journalists to accompany the prime minister on visits. I was curious and asked Ulrich, "What are your accreditation rules?" He laughed and understood why I had asked.

He said: "Everybody can obtain accreditation. It would suffice to bring a letter showing the paper, radio or TV this person represents."

Q - Would there be an accreditation rejection?

A - There would not be any rejection as long as there was no shameful deed done or security at stake.

Q - What if he writes negative news?

A - We would not interfere. It is his right.

Q - What do you do to someone writing false news?

A - We would not interfere. That is the responsibility of the paper he works for.

Q - Would you call the editors-in-chief of opposing papers or TV to complain?

A - If the news is false we would make an announcement or call the editor-in-chief and ask for a correction.

Q - Does the prime minister ever say, "I do not want to see this man?"

A - Very rarely but she did once or twice. But we did not cancel their accreditation. We just did not admit them to off-the-record meetings.

Q - Why did you do that?

A - Because it was against the rules. We said it was off-the-record but the journalist wrote it as a statement by the prime minister. He broke the golden rule.

Q - What rules are applied to trips? What are your criteria for inviting a journalist?

A - First of all, we set a general percentage. For instance, if there is space for 20, half will be TV, 10 percent press and 5 percent radio etc.. Then according to applications we meet the demand. If there are many applications we draw lots. We never differentiate between opposing or allied journalists.

Q - Would you get in trouble?

A - No because we keep to the rules. Everybody pays for their own travel and hotel expenses. They are not invited by the prime minister.

Akif Beki told me almost the same thing for the Turkish Prime Ministry’s criteria. But there were no details given about the reason for the recently rejected accreditation. Then there is criteria for international trips in which we are different from the Germans. I

n general, we invite allied journalists. By the end of the night I thanked Ulrich. Two different worlds, two different applicationsÉ we had talked about Turkey’s and Germany’s approach to politicsÉ


We should be proud of Cem Özdemir

Cem Özdemir’s election to co-chairman of the German Greens Party is a very important development for us. This young man, despite all difficulties and mud-slinging, stood tall and achieved something that seemed impossible.

We should all be proud of a German of Turkish origin who achieved an important position in his country’s politics. I know that some feel sad. Let them see Cem’s position as a "source of discomfort." They are right in being uncomfortable, for they represent a mindset that does not fit Turkey.

Cem Özdemir represents the contemporary world in issues like human rights, democracy and the Kurdish problem. The Turks after 45 years managed to enter German politics instead of remaining as workers. It is belated but for the first time firm steps have been taken.