US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller commented on the statement by President and AKP Chairman Recep Tayyip Erdoğan that "Hamas is not a terrorist organization."
Stating that Hamas is indeed a terrorist organization, Miller emphasized that this is not the first disagreement with Turkey and spoke about Ankara's importance to NATO.
Miller replied, "Despite our disagreements on this issue, I can say that Turkey is a valued NATO ally."
Stating that they will continue to work with Ankara to strengthen the alliance, Miller also recalled that Sweden's NATO accession protocol has been submitted to the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM).
Miller used the phrase, "We look forward to continuing to work with them (Turkey) to strengthen NATO," and emphasized that these strengthening efforts also include the swift realization of Sweden's accession to NATO.
"NOT THE FIRST TIME"
Emphasizing that this disagreement is not the first one they have had with the Turkish administration, Miller said, however, that they still view Turkey as a productive and constructive NATO ally.
"HAMAS IS A TERRORIST ORGANIZATION"
Regarding President Erdoğan's statement, Miller said, "I think we have been very clear in our assessment that Hamas is a terrorist organization."
Republican Senator Rick Scott of Florida had called on NATO last week to "seriously reconsider" Turkey's membership after President Erdoğan stated that Hamas was "not a terrorist organization."
News Source: AA
