Group of Turkish NGOs voices support for government

By Ahmet Salih Alacacı

ANKARA

A platform of 290 Turkish non-governmental organizations has voiced its support for the Turkish government against the recent U.S. sanctions on the country.

In a declaration issued on Tuesday, the National Will Platform called for unity and solidarity in the face of “economic attacks.”

“We respectfully announce to the public our steadfast support for our government and president amid this economic war against our country,” the declaration read.

Turkey and the U.S. are currently experiencing rocky relations following Washington’s imposition of sanctions on two government ministers for not releasing Brunson, who faces terrorism-related charges in Turkey.

The platform accused the U.S. of attempting to interfere in Turkey’s “judiciary by imposing economic sanctions and manipulating exchange rates.”

President Donald Trump on Friday ramped up his attack on Turkey by doubling U.S. tariffs on Turkish aluminum and steel imports.

The platform has called on Turkish citizens to remain calm and confident in the face of economic hardship.