Ensure full freedom of expression in Turkey

German Chancellor Angela Merkel yesterday urged Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to ensure full freedom of expression in Turkey ahead of a crucial referendum on constitutional change.

Making her first visit to Turkey since July's failed coup, Merkel was seeking to keep a key partnership alive after a series of crises in recent months.

Her visit -- which has caused controversy at home and in Turkey -- comes as the country prepares for a referendum expected to be held in April on constitutional changes to give Erdogan greater powers.

"I emphasised from my side that in this far-reaching change the separation of powers and freedom of expression must be ensured," Merkel said after talks with Erdogan at his presidential palace in Ankara.

Merkel added she had also passed on concerns over press freedom and the accreditation of German journalists in Turkey, several of whom have not received approval to work in 2017.

"We spoke in detail over freedoms for journalists," she said.

Merkel said the referendum on constitutional change could be monitored by a delegation from the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) "so that what the people want is guaranteed".

Erdogan responded that a separation of powers would remain in place under the new constitution, with other centres of power along with the presidency.

"The legislative is still there. So is the executive and the judiciary. Their dissolution... is out of the question," said the Turkish president.