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Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is fighting for an American pastor imprisoned in Turkey. He said he would not yield to threats of threats from US President Donald Trump, Erdogan told Haberturk station and other media reports Sunday.
The friendship between the United States and Turkey was in danger. "We will not back down if we are threatened with sanctions," said Erdogan. At the same time, he warned: "The United States should not forget that if it does not change their position, they will lose a strong and sincere partner like Turkey."
Pastor under house arrest
Donald Trump had announced "far-reaching sanctions" if Turkey did not release Pastor Andrew Brunson. He did not name any details. Brunson was placed under house arrest after 21 months in prison a few days ago. He has been working in Turkey for more than two decades. The pastor is accused of having supported the PKK, banned party of Kurdish workers, and the group behind the failed coup d'état of July 2016. When he is found guilty, he risk up to 35 years in prison. Brunson rejected the allegations.
Erdogan rejected the rumors of any complicity with Brunson. A court returned the referral for Brunson's health problems under house arrest. Erdogan said: "Instead of showing respect for a court decision, the United States imposes sanctions," said US Foreign Minister Michael Pompeo and his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu.
(anf / afp)
Created: 29.07.2018, 16:43
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