Turkish boycott clouds new German integration plan

BERLIN, July 12 (Reuters) Chancellor Angela Merkel rebuked Turkish groups who boycotted a high-profile meeting to boost the integration of German immigrants today, accusing them of spreading false information about new immigration rules.

Merkel, unveiling a ''national integration plan'' which includes steps such as offering more language lessons and helping young people train and get jobs, defended new immigration rules which have incensed some Turks.

Three major Turkish associations stayed away from Merkel's summit and staged a small demonstration with banners outside.

''You cannot give the government an ultimatum,'' said Merkel, adding the door would still be open if the groups wanted to rejoin the integration effort.

The groups had objected to new rules, passed by parliament last week, which force foreigners to prove their spouses know 200-300 words of German before moving to the country.

The rules, separate from the integration plan, do not apply to German nationals bringing a foreign spouse into the country or to citizens from some other countries, including Canada and the United States.

Merkel dismissed complaints the new rules discriminate against Turks, Germany's largest immigrant community.

''Someone who represents an association has a responsibility not to cook up emotions, but to give out information to help ease people's fears,'' said Merkel.

CRY FOR DEMOCRACY The Turkish groups were not convinced.

''(Our boycott) is a cry, a cry for democracy,'' said Kenan Kolat, head of the TGD Turkish Communities in Germany, who has lodged a complaint against the law with President Horst Koehler.

''With this document, prejudices are written into law. That is what really annoys us and makes us angry.'' However, he also said he supported the integration process in general and wanted to continue dialogue with the government.

About one in five people living in Germany has an immigrant background and the country is home to the second biggest Islamic population in western Europe after France.

Relations are relaxed compared to countries like France, Britain and the Netherlands, but Germany has drawn accusations it fails to provide equal opportunities to young immigrants.

The row has overshadowed the launch of the integration plan, which Merkel described as a ''milestone in the history of German integration policy''.

Amid fears of the radicalisation of young, disillusioned Muslims, the government wants to avoid social and economic marginalisation and many of the measures in the plan are aimed at young people or women.

On top of offering more language lessons and schemes to help young immigrants get qualifications, the government said it would support schemes to encourage young immigrants do sport. It will also help set up an Internet advice service for women trapped in forced marriages or suffering from domestic violence.

Reuters AM VV2302