Trump threatens sanctions against Turkey over pastor’s detention
Washington/Istanbul — US President Donald Trump on Thursday threatened to slap "large sanctions" on Turkey unless it freed an American pastor. That prompted an angry response from Ankara, further escalating tension between the two Nato allies. A spokesman for Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan called Washington’s threats unacceptable and damaging to the US-Turkey alliance. "The United States must reconsider its approach and adopt a constructive position before inflicting further damage to its own interests and its alliance with Turkey," Erdogan’s spokesman, Ibrahim Kalin, said in a written statement. Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu called US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to discuss the threat of sanctions, Turkish and US State Department officials said, without elaborating. The Trump administration escalated the pressure campaign to free Andrew Brunson a day after a court ordered that he be moved to house arrest after 21 months in detention. He is on trial for terrorism cha...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.