Cavusoglu Responds to Trump: No One Can Order Turkey Around

Turkey reacted to Donald Trump's threat of sanctions against the country if the detention of an American pastor continues, emphasizing that no one can give orders to Ankara. Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu wrote on Twitter on Thursday, August 4: "No one can order Turkey around. We do not tolerate threats from anyone." He added, "The rule of law applies to everyone, and no exceptions can be made for anyone." The detention of Andrew Craig Brunson, an American pastor residing in Turkey, has put relations between Washington and Ankara in crisis. Mr. Brunson, 50, was arrested following the failed coup in 2016 on charges of "espionage" and connections to the Fethullah Gülen network and Kurdish rebel groups. These charges could lead to a 35-year prison sentence, but Mr. Brunson has denied such allegations, calling them shameful. He was transferred from prison to house arrest on Wednesday due to illness. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump threatened Turkey with heavy sanctions on Thursday in a tweet. Mr. Trump wrote, "The United States will impose heavy sanctions on Turkey for the prolonged detention of Pastor Andrew Brunson, a great Christian, family man, and wonderful human being." He further called Mr. Brunson innocent and demanded his immediate release. The state-run Anadolu Agency in Turkey also reported the reaction of the country's Foreign Ministry spokesman, who stated that Mr. Trump's remarks jeopardize the friendly relations between Washington and Ankara and their alliance. Hami Aksoy emphasized Turkey's national sovereignty, stating that no country can threaten or give orders to Ankara, and such actions are fundamentally unacceptable. Previously, U.S. Vice President Mike Pence had also threatened Turkey with sanctions if Pastor Brunson was not released.