Trump signals willingness to loosen Turkey sanctions

2018-10-16 15:17:16

Turkey’s decision to release a US citizen being held as a political prisoner could mean a loosening of US sanctions on the country, President Donald Trump hinted in remarks made 13 October.

President Trump met with US pastor Andrew Brunson, who had been detained in Turkey since October 2016 on the charge of aiding terrorism. The US doubled Turkey’s 232 steel tariffs from 25% to 50% over the summer as part of its play to secure Brunson’s release, in addition to other economic sanctions, Kallanishnotes.

“Well, we were very tough on Turkey, and we’ll take a look,” says President Trump, in response to media queries regarding the elevated tariff levels. “There was absolutely no deal made. Frankly, the only deal, if you can call it a deal, is a psychological one. We feel much different about Turkey today than we did yesterday.”

President Trump declined to comment further on the details of loosening sanctions, saying that a “...great relationship” could be in the works.

“And I think we have a chance of really becoming much closer to Turkey, and maybe even having a very, very good relationship,” he says. “We know the people. And as the pastor said, these are incredible people. The people of Turkey are incredible people. And I think we have a chance now to really have a great relationship with Turkey. I hope that happens, okay?”