Kalın: Bolton’s Statement Proves US Declared Economic War

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Presidential Spokesperson İbrahim Kalın has responded to US President Donald Trump's National Security Advisor John Bolton saying that the crisis may come to an end should Pastor Andrew Craig Brunson be released.

In a written statement sent to Reuters, Spokesperson Kalın said "Republic of Turkey is a state of law and case of Pastor Brunson is a legal case", and added:

"There is an ongoing judicial process about the figure. We cannot accept the US ignoring the judicial process and making requests".

"Turkey cannot be expected to remain silent"

In response to Bolton saying that "Qatar's support to Turkey is utterly insufficient" with respect to investments Qatar will make in Turkey, Kalın said:

"His statement is proof that the Trump administration is targeting a NATO ally as part of an economic war.

"The Trump administration has ... established that it intends to use trade, tariffs and sanctions to start a global trade war," he said, pointing to similar disputes with Mexico, Canada, Europe and China.

"Turkey has no intention of starting an economic war with any party. It cannot, however, be expected to keep silent in the face of attacks against its economy and judiciary.

"The US administration's most recent policies are at odds with the fundamental principles and values of the NATO alliance". (PT/TK)