Turkey visa suspension coordinated with State Department, White House, National Security Council: Spokesperson

WASHINGTON

The latest decision by the U.S. to suspend visa services at diplomatic facilities in Turkey was coordinated with the State Department, White House and National Security Council, and the Ambassador to Turkey had the “full backing” of the U.S. government, a spokesperson for the State Department said on Oct. 10.

“Our ambassadors tend not to do things unilaterally,” State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert told a briefing.

“We have a very close coordination and cooperation with our ambassadors,” she added, saying that Ambassador John Bass had done “a terrific job in Turkey.”

Nauert also said Turkey summoned a third local staff member for questioning over the weekend, calling it a “deeply disturbing” move.

Some of those targeted were responsible for law enforcement coordination between the countries, she said.

“Being able to have close security cooperation, especially with a NATO partner, is incredibly important,” Nauert said.

“And when they start arresting, detaining our people, our people who are responsible for law enforcement coordination, that is a ... major concern of ours. And so that is why we took these steps,” she said.