NZ envoy ‘unwelcome’ after call to free jailed man
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade says it is yet to get official word that New Zealand’s ambassador to Turkey has been deemed persona non grata, or an ‘‘unwelcome person’’.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s statement, along with saying the ambassador could leave if she did not understand the country, comes after a statement that 10 countries, including New Zealand, made calling for the release of jailed Turkish businessman and philanthropist Osman Kavala, CNN reported.
‘‘The continuing delays in his trial, including by merging different cases and creating new ones after a previous acquittal, cast a shadow over respect for democracy, the rule of law and transparency in the Turkish judiciary system,’’ the statement said.
‘‘Noting the rulings of the European Court of Human Rights on the matter, we call for Turkey to secure his urgent release.’’
Erdogan declared all 10 ambassadors whose countries signed the letter would be made persona non grata – or unwelcome in the country – as soon as possible.
A statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade yesterday said it was aware of the media reports but the ministry would not comment until it was formally notified.
‘‘New Zealand values its relationship with Turkey,’’ spokeswoman Fleur Thompson said.
Kavala was jailed in 2017 for his alleged involvement in the 2013 Gezi Park anti-Government protests in Turkey. He was acquitted but now faces new charges of organising a coup.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, New Zealand’s ambassador to Turkey is career diplomat Wendy Hinton.
She has previously been posted to Singapore, Beijing and Taipei, and Geneva. She was New Zealand’s ambassador to Poland and Ukraine from 2013 to 2017.