Migration train welcomed at Munich train station

YAYINLAMA 31 Ekim 2011 13:15

GÜNCELLEME 31 Ekim 2011 13:15

The "migration train" which has departed from Istanbul's Sirkeci train station last week arrived in Munich train station in Germany yesterday as part of celebrations which were organized by the Turkish Radio and Television Corporation (TRT) and the Turkish State Railways (TCDD) on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the first group of Turkish workers' arrival in Germany. Speaking at the welcome ceremony, Bavarian Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann said that he was very happy to welcome the train and that Turkish workers had contributed to Germany's economy miracle and most of them have been integrated quite well. He defined the 50 years as a great history of success, adding, "They have been integrated in a successful way particularly in Bavaria. Therefore the statements made by French President Nicolas Sarkozy aren't valid in terms of Bavaria." In reply to a question about the criticisms made by Parliament Speaker Cemil Cicek on Germany's stance about the terrorist PKK, Herrmann said that Bavaria has been closely following the extremist groups, including the terrorist PKK, and that it was hard upon the PKK. Deputy Prime Minister Bekir Bozdag and German Integration Minister Maria Bohmer who were also on the train along with journalists and passengers from the first generation of migrants were welcomed by Herrmann and Munich Mayor Christian Ude in Munich. The events celebrating the arrival of train were attended by a great many enthusiastic Turkish people and broadcast live by both the TRT and Bavarian Television (BT). A meeting was also organized on the train by Bohmer and Bozdag with the first generation of migrants, in which the retired people mentioned their requests concerning dual citizenship, visa applications and right to elect and be elected. Bozdag said that integration efforts should not turn into assimilation and urged Turkish people not to lose their identities in the process of integration. Bohmer also said that Turkish migrants have made unique contributions to Germany.