Erdogan backpedals on threat to expel 10 Western ambassadors
After threatening to expel 10 foreign envoys, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan Monday appeared to de-escalate a diplomatic row sparked by the ongoing imprisonment of Turkish philanthropist Osman Kavala.
ISTANBUL — A tense diplomatic crisis in which 10 ambassadors to Turkey faced possible expulsion from the country appears to have been defused Monday following a set of reconciliatory statements.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan Monday said he welcomed statements shared via social media by Western embassies, including the United States, saying they would follow a diplomatic convention not to interfere with a host nation’s domestic affairs.
“I believe these envoys will act more carefully,” Erdogan said Monday. “Today’s statement by the envoys means retreat from slander.”
He added, “Those who do not respect the independence of our country and the sensitivities of our nation cannot live in this country, regardless of their title."
