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On Friday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan used what Reuters described as a “conciliatory speech”, in his confrontation with the sanctions that the United States could impose on his country for the purchase of the Russian S-400 air defense system, and sanctions on the roads of the European Union; Due to the exploration of Ankara in the eastern Mediterranean.
In front of officials from his Justice and Development Party, Erdogan used a conciliatory tone and asked politicians in the United States and the European Union to “stay away from the influence of anti-Turkish pressure groups, we do not have problems that are difficult. to resolve through dialogue and cooperation. “
In his communication letter, Erdogan went on to say: “Turkey has not taken and will not take a step that alters the spirit of relations with the United States and the European Union,” according to the official Anatolia news agency.
Two sources familiar with the matter told Reuters, one of them a US official who requested anonymity, that Trump had already given his aides his approval to impose sanctions on Ankara.
The sources said that Washington is about to take this step, which is likely to increase tension between the two countries.
In Brussels, European Union leaders agreed to a statement that paved the way for punishing those they accuse of plotting to participate in what the bloc describes as unauthorized Turkish drilling off the coast of Cyprus, but the bloc does not it has implemented its threat, it announced in October, to consider imposing more comprehensive measures against Turkey.
Turkey’s Foreign Ministry said on Friday that Ankara rejects the “partial and illegal” approach of the European Union. Turkey says it is exploring energy resources in waters within its jurisdiction.
News of the impending U.S. sanctions on the Turkish defense sector came at a time when European Union leaders discussed separate sanctions against Turkish officials. Due to gas exploration operations in disputed areas in the eastern Mediterranean.
US President Donald Trump will announce sanctions imposed under the Fight Against America’s Adversaries Act (KATSA) as President-elect Joe Biden prepares to take power on January 20.
The official Anatolia news agency quoted Erdogan as saying: “The US confrontation with Turkey with a law like (KATSA) is disrespectful to a very important partner of NATO.”
