WASHINGTON: German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier on Wednesday urged Turkey to restrict a state of emergency imposed after a failed coup attempt to only the truly necessary length of time, and to end the measure as quickly as possible.

Steinmeier issued a statement late on Wednesday in response to the declaration, urging the Turkish government to maintain both the rule of law and a sense of proportionality in its response to the coup attempt.

He said only proven involvement in illegal acts, not suspected political leanings, should trigger action by the Turkish government.