Trump reminds Erdoğan of Pastor Brunson again: 'I call, he releases them immediately'

US President Donald Trump made striking remarks about his relationship with President and AKP Chairman Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in an interview with Dasha Burns from the US-based political news outlet Politico. Stating that he has gotten along well with Erdoğan for many years, Trump made claims regarding the release of certain detainees in Turkey.

TURKEY EXAMPLE AFTER NATO QUESTION

During the interview, Trump was asked, "Are there countries you think shouldn't be in the NATO alliance? For example, Sweden?" Trump responded by saying there are "difficult" countries within NATO and pointed to Turkey as an example.

Trump stated that Turkey's situation serves as a "good example" in terms of the interests of countries included in NATO.

"THEY HAVE A HARD TIME TALKING TO ERDOĞAN"

Trump said that other world leaders are hesitant to communicate directly with Erdoğan. Explaining that leaders of various countries ask him to mediate when they face problems, Trump stated that the reason for this request is that they have difficulty talking to Erdoğan.

Trump said, "Turkey is an example. Erdoğan is my friend. When they have a problem with Erdoğan, they want me to call because they can't talk to him. He is a tough guy. I like him a lot."

"I CALL AND HE RELEASES SOME PEOPLE IMMEDIATELY"

Trump argued that his communication with Erdoğan yields quick results, claiming that some detainees in Turkey were released following his phone calls.

Trump described the claim in question with the following words:

“I act as a mediator in negotiations. I always get along very well with Erdoğan. I like him a lot. For example, when there are cases that would have taken years of litigation, I ask him to release someone, and he releases them immediately. He and I handle it right away. He has released some people.”

“HE HAS BUILT A STRONG COUNTRY AND A STRONG MILITARY”

Trump also made assessments regarding Turkey's regional position. Stating that Turkey is a “strong country,” Trump expressed that Erdoğan has “built a strong military.”

Continuing his statement, he used the words, “They have a hard time dealing with him, but you know, they shouldn't have a hard time.”

News Source: 12punto