Turkish Presidential spokesman Ibrahim Kalın
Turkish presidential spokesperson on Thursday condemned U.S. President Donald Trump's threats of imposing sanctions on the country unless Ankara releases a detained American pastor.
In a statement, İbrahim Kalın said: “It is not possible to accept threatening language used towards our country, which is a NATO ally.”
“The U.S. administration, which has never taken a step against FETÖ -- should know that it cannot get any result by threatening Turkey using a matter, which is being handled by the independent Turkish judiciary, as an excuse."
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Thursday warned South Africa against the threat posed by the Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETÖ). “We must be vigilant against this organization whose main goal is to pit a brother against brother,” Erdoğan said, addressing Muslim community leaders during a visit to Johannesburg where he is attending the BRICS Summit. Erdoğan called terrorist organizations present in Turkey such as FETÖ and PKK “nests of evil” that slaughter their brothers.Erdoğan: FETÖ is the same as DaeshErdoğan arrives in Johannesburg to attend BRICS summit He also said that South Africa is only second to the U.S. among countries where FETÖ is most active. “We are aware that FETÖ is trying to attract Muslims in South Africa, especially through educational institutions....The enemies of Islam controlled FETÖ that used incentives such as education, charity, dialogue to infiltrate for 40 years” Erdoğan added. FETÖ and its U.S.-based leader Fetullah Gulen orchestrated the defeated coup, which left 251 people martyred and nearly 2,200 injured.FETÖ is reportedly present in more than 150 countries around the world, through schools, NGOs, lobbyists, media outlets, and other companies. In its more than 30-year terror campaign against Turkey, the PKK -- listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S. and the EU -- has been responsible for the deaths of nearly 40,000 people, including women and children.
Erdoğan warns South Africa against FETÖ threat
Kalın also called on the U.S. administration to "review its manners immediately" before relations between the two countries deteriorate any further.
In an attempt to interfere with NATO-member Turkey's judiciary, Trump tweeted: "The United States will impose large sanctions on Turkey for their longtime detainment of Pastor Andrew Brunson."
Turkey's Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavuşoglu on Thursday spoke with U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo over the phone, according to Turkish diplomatic sources.The phone contact was made shortly after Turkey responded to remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump after he threatened the country with sanctions unless Ankara releases a detained American pastor.No further details were released.In an attempt to interfere with NATO-member Turkey's judiciary, Trump tweeted: "The United States will impose large sanctions on Turkey for their longtime detainment of Pastor Andrew Brunson."Turkey places jailed US cleric under house arrest'US respects Turkish legal system in pastor case'“No one dictates Turkey. We will never tolerate threats from anybody. Rule of law is for everyone; no exception,” Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavuşoglu responded in a tweet.Brunson was transferred to house arrest Wednesday after being detained in the Aegean province of Izmir in December 2016.Erdoğan warns South Africa against FETÖ threatHe was charged with spying for the PKK -- a designated terrorist group in the U.S. and Turkey -- and the Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETÖ), the group Turkey accuses of orchestrating the defeated July 2016 coup attempt.
Turkish FM speaks with US counterpart over phone
Brunson was transferred to house arrest Wednesday after being detained in the Aegean province of Izmir in December 2016.
He was charged with spying for the PKK -- a designated terrorist group in the U.S. and Turkey -- and the Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETÖ), the group Turkey accuses of orchestrating the defeated July 2016 coup attempt.
Earlier, U.S. Vice President Mike Pence in a tweet threatened to impose "significant sanctions on Turkey until this innocent man of faith is free".