Trump denies easing sanctions on Turkey

NEWS DESK

Donald Trump, speaking to the media in the White House South Park before leaving Florida, said ,"It was not part of the deal," as Xinhua reported.

Tramp added "We have not reached an agreement with Turkey, we are not concluding any agreement - or deals with hostages and prisoners."

A court in Izmir on Friday afternoon sentenced US priest Andrew Brunson, 50 years old, to three years, one month and 15 days on terrorism-related charges, but was released because he was jailed since December 2016.

After Brunson's release, the latter arrived at the White House and met Trump.

Bronson's arrest has worsened relations between Ankara and Washington, where the United States has imposed sanctions against Turkey by imposing sanctions on Turkish ministers and doubling tariffs on imports of aluminum and steel from Turkey.

Controversy has contributed to the devaluation of the Turkish currency, exacerbating Turkey's economic problems, including huge debt and high inflation.

The Trump administration has repeatedly called for the unconditional release of Brunson, threatening further punitive measures against Ankara.

The White House said the United States welcomed the release, adding "we remain deeply concerned about the continued detention of other US citizens in Turkey and urge that all these issues be resolved in a transparent and fair manner."

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo also said he hoped "the Turkish government will speed up the release of our other detained US citizens."

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ANHA