Trump statement result of his trust in Turkish justice: Erdoğan
ANKARA
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has said his United States counterpart Donald Trump’s positive statement about Ankara after the release of American pastor Andrew Brunson is indicative of his trust in Turkey's justice system.
“I feel much differently about Turkey today than I felt about them two days ago. I have a very good feeling toward Turkey—two days ago, I did not,” Trump said on Oct. 15 about Brunson’s release by Turkish authorities.
Turkish journalists asked Erdoğan about Trump’s statement following his party’s parliamentary group meeting on Oct. 16.
“His statement is late [but] it is the result of his trust in Turkish justice,” Erdoğan said.
On Oct. 12, a Turkish court sentenced Brunson to three years and one month in prison for aiding a terrorist organization, while ruling for his release from house arrest pending appeals procedures.
Brunson returned to the U.S. and met Trump at the White House the following day.
Turkish court releases US pastor Brunson after eventful hearing
Erdoğan also touched upon the Syrian issue, repeating his vow that Turkey would “take the necessary steps” if the YPG remains in Manbij despite the promise of the U.S.
“If the necessary steps are not taken [by the U.S.] to the east of the Euphrates [against the illegal PKK/YPG] ... We will take the necessary steps at the highest level,” he said.
