President Erdoğan says he is disillusioned by US policy

ANKARA

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has said that he was “disillusioned” by the policies of the United States, as he also commented on the extradition process of the U.S.-based Islamic preacher Fethullah Gülen.

In an interview to be broadcast by U.S. political TV show 60 Minutes, President Erdoğan talked about last week’s U.S. presidential election.

Asked by to Steve Kroft about any frustration he felt towards Washington, Erdoğan said: “Well, let me be very frank in my remarks and I have been known for my candor. I would not speak the truth if I said I was not disillusioned. Because I am disillusioned.”

Referring to the July 15 coup attempt and Gülen he added: “I am not going to blame the U.S. But that is what my people will think. Why are you still keeping that man? So as long you harbor him there, I am sorry do not get offended, but this is the perception of the Turkish nation and the Turkish people.”

Erdogan also criticized U.S. policy on Syria and said it had been discussed with U.S. President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden.

“They failed to rise to the occasion and handle these issues seriously,” Erdogan said. “This is quite upsetting for us.”