We’re not interfering in Turkey’s politics, US reiterates

WASHINGTON – Anadolu Agency

White House Deputy National Security Adviser Ben Rhodes told reporters in Washington that the Obama administration was continuing its close cooperation with Turkey on regional issues. REUTERS Photo

A senior U.S. official has again reiterated that Washington is not interfering in Turkey’s internal politics, in reference to the recent corruption probe and the Gezi Park protests last year.

White House Deputy National Security Adviser Ben Rhodes told reporters in Washington on Jan. 29 that the Obama administration was continuing its close cooperation with Turkey on regional issues.

“We need to clarify that we deny claims that the U.S. administration is linked to these difficulties,” Rhodes was quoted as saying by Anadolu Agency, after being asked if the recent graft probe allegations and Gezi Park protests were a result of “miscommunication” between Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and President Barack Obama.

“We don’t interfere in Turkey’s internal affairs in any way, so we rejected suggestions that the U.S. administration is linked to difficulties and political unrest,” he added.

U.S. State of Secretary John Kerry recently emphasized that the United States had no interest in getting involved in Turkish politics, after meeting with his Turkish counterpart, Ahmet Davutoğlu.