Merkel in favor of continuation of Turkey's EU membership talks

Speaking in a joint press conference with Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan who is on an official visit to Germany, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said that Germany remained committed to Turkey's membership. "The EU is an honest negotiating partner” Merkel said, adding, "These negotiations will continue irrespective of the questions that we have to clarify."  Merkel also acknowledged the situation in Syria had become "a real burden" for Turkey and thanked Erdogan for Turkey's "responsible stance" on the issue. Merkel also expressed Germany's support to Turkey in its fight against the terrorist PKK organization, saying that her country banned all PKK activity. Touching on economy, Merkel noted that Turkey had seen its economy expand at an impressive clip, with 3.2-percent growth forecast this year. "We would wish for similar development in the EU," Merkel said.