A senior official from the US Department of Defense (Pentagon), who did not want his name to be disclosed, made comments on the Ukraine-Russia war to a group of journalists. When the official was asked the unexpected question of ‘Turkey’, he dismissed the question by giving an evasive answer.
REFUSED TO ANSWER
The Pentagon official answered the question of Interior Minister Süleyman Soylu’s statement regarding the “the US Embassy in Ankara did not accept the condolence message” on the attack on Istanbul’s Istiklal Street:
“I want this briefing to focus on Ukraine. I will say this, Turkey is still a very important ally. We would be pleased to consider your questions outside of Ukraine outside of this meeting.”
SOYLU: WE REJECT THE CONDITIONS OF THE EMBASSY
After the terrorist attack on Sunday, Minister Soylu, who made a statement on Istiklal Street yesterday, expressed his reaction to the USA with the following words:
“We know the message that was given to us, we received the message that was given to us. I emphasize once again: We do not accept the American Embassy’s condolences, we reject it. Those who send money from their own senates to this understanding that feeds Kobani, terror zones and tries to disturb Turkey’s peace from there.” Of course, our alliance with a state should be discussed. We are not anyone’s enemy, we do not have eyes on anyone’s lands, we do not betray anyone, but I would like to express that of course we have no power to endure these treachery.”
MESSAGE FROM THE US EMBASSY
The following statements were made in the statement made by the US Embassy in Turkey after the attack:
“As the US Diplomatic Mission in Turkey, we are deeply saddened by the explosion that took place in Istanbul this afternoon. We offer our sincere condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and wish the injured a speedy recovery.”
(AA)