Trump vows ‘no concessions’ with Ankara
WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump on Monday ruled out making any concessions to Turkey to gain the freedom of a detained American pastor and said he was not concerned that retaliatory tariffs he imposed will have a ripple effect and hurt the European economy.
Mr Trump, speaking to Reuters in an Oval Office interview, said he thought he had a deal with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan when he helped persuade Israel to free a detained Turkish citizen. He had thought Mr Erdogan would then release pastor Andrew Brunson.
“I think it’s very sad what Turkey is doing. I think they’re making a terrible mistake. There will be no concessions,” he said.
Mr Trump has imposed tariffs on imports of Turkish steel and aluminum in response to Mr Erdogan’s refusal to free Pastor Brunson, raising concerns of economic damage in Europe.
“I’m not concerned at all. I’m not concerned. This is the proper thing to do,” he said, when asked about the potential damage to other economies.
Mr Trump said Mr Erdogan had wanted the Turkish citizen returned from Israel.
Mr Trump and Mr Erdogan met in Brussels for a Nato summit in mid-July where they discussed Pastor Brunson’s case and what could be the way forward to release the pastor, a senior White House official said earlier.
Turkey had sought US help to persuade the Israelis to release a Turkish woman who was being held in Israel, the senior official said. In exchange Turkey would release Pastor Brunson and other Americans being held in Turkey.
Trump said he kept his side of the bargain.
“I got that person out for him. I expect him to let this very innocent and wonderful man and great father and great Christian out of Turkey,” Mr Trump said.
Israel, which confirmed that Mr Trump had requested Ebru Ozkan’s release, deported her on July 15. Ankara has denied ever agreeing to free Pastor Brunson in return.
Mr Trump added: “I like Turkey. I like the people of Turkey very much. Until now I had a very good relationship as you know with the president. I got along with him great. I had a very good relationship. But it can’t be a one-way street.”