ANKARA
Turkey’s Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu has condemned the recent assault on three U.S. sailors in Istanbul.
In a written statement released Friday, Cavusoglu described the assault as “both reprehensible and unacceptable.”
He assured Turkish authorities were conducting a thorough investigation to apprehend those responsible for the attack as soon as possible.
“All foreigners in Turkey, official or not, and regardless of their nationality, race, religion or belief are our guests and enjoy full protection under the law," Cavusoglu said.
Turkish Youth Union (TGB) members had assaulted the three U.S. sailors Wednesday, grabbing them and pulling sacks over their heads.
There are videos online that show the assault on the sailors.
Cavusoglu said all necessary precautions had been taken to prevent any such incident in the future.
“In the name of the Turkish nation, I offer my sympathies to those U.S. soldiers who were assaulted and reassure them that, as always, and through thick-and-thin, the people of Turkey welcome them and all their brothers and sisters in arms, into their homes and hearts as long standing friends and partners,” he said.
“Turkey and the U.S. are indispensable allies, partners and friends and our bilateral relations continue to not only be robust and resilient, but also remain vital for the maintenance of regional and international peace and security,” he added.
Twelve Turks were detained and charged with “insult,” “inflicting injury,” and “violation of protest and rally law" in relation with the incident. They were released later on Thursday, the Istanbul Prosecutor Office said.
www.aa.com.tr/en
