Pentagon comments on Erdogan threats to close US bases in Turkey
The US Department of Defense is doing its best to maintain relations with Ankara, despite Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s threats about the possible closure of US military bases, according to Pentagon spokesman.
In press statements to “Sputnik News Agency”, the spokesman said that Pentagon considers the presence of forces in Turkey as a symbol of decades-long commitment to work and help in defending a NATO ally and strategic partner.
“The Defense Department also encouraged Turkey to adopt a more constructive policy of S400, Syria and other issues,” he added.
It is worth mentioning that, Turkish President has threatened to close down two US military bases in his country, “if necessary”, in response to possible US sanctions on Ankara, in addition to a US Senate resolution officially recognizing the Armenian genocide.
In a televised statement, Erdogan criticized the US Senate’s decision issued last Thursday, describing it as “completely political” and warned the United States “against taking irreparable steps in their relations,” according to the Anadolu news agency.