(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) WASHINGTON, Oct 10 (KUNA) -- The US said it is very disappointed at the Turkish government's arrest of two of its local employees and the summons of a third staffer by authorities.
Although the employees are not US citizens, the State Department "would not be able to do our jobs ... without all these folks," Spokesperson Heather Nauert told reporters, adding that the actions were "deeply disturbing." Over the weekend, US Ambassador to Turkey John Bass said, "We've been unable to determine why it (the arrest) occurred or what, if any, evidence exists against the employee. The employee works in an office devoted to strengthening law enforcement cooperation with Turkish authorities and ensuring the security of Americans and Turkish citizens." He added, "The arrest has raised questions about whether the goal of some officials is to disrupt the longstanding cooperation between Turkey and the United States." Nauert highlighted that Turkey is a NATO partner with the US and that the arrests are a "major concern." The US has since "temporarily" suspended visas for new applicants wanting to come to the US from Turkey until it can "take a look at all this," said the Spokesperson.
Bass will soon be in Kabul to undertake his new post as Ambassador to Afghanistan, a decision President Donald Trump made in July. (end) ak.hm
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