Pompeo: Trump Might Be Referring to Imposition of Sanctions

* Photograph: Bandar Algaloud / Saudi Royal Court / AA

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US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who is currently in Riyadh, the capital city of Saudi Arabia, has commented on the statements of US President Donald Trump, who said earlier today (January 14), "We will devastate Turkey economically if they hit Kurds."

CLICK - 'We Will Devastate Turkey Economically If They Hit Kurds'

When Pompeo was asked specifically about what President Trump meant by "devastating Turkey's economy," Pompeo said,

"We apply sanctions in many places around the world. I assume he's speaking about those kinds of things but you would have to ask him."

"Buffer zone will be good for everyone"

Regarding a "safe zone" to be established in Syria as it was also expressed by Trump, Pompeo stated,

"We want to make sure that the folks who fought with us to take down the caliphate and ISIS have security and also that terrorists ... (in) Syria aren't able to attack Turkey, those are our twin aims.

"If we can get a space, call it a buffer zone... If we can get it and security arrangements right, this will be a good thing for everyone in the region.

Khashoggi murder on the agenda

It has been the first visit of Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to Saudi Arabia since journalist Jamal Khashoggi was murdered at the Consulate General of the country in İstanbul on October 2, 2018.

It has been reported that on the occasion of his visit, Pompeo will exert pressure on Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman for the identification of perpetrators. (PT/SD)