U.S. Sanctions on Turkish Ministers Draw Vows of Retaliation

Turkey vowed retaliation for U.S. sanctions over its continued detention of an American pastor, as the multiplying divisions separating the NATO allies overshadowed their longtime strategic ties.

“There is no doubt that the decision, which disrespectfully meddles in our judicial system, violates the essence of our relations and will seriously damage the constructive efforts made to resolve problems between the two countries,” the Turkish Foreign Ministry said. “An equivalent response to this aggressive attitude will be given without delay,” it added, without elaborating.