US-Turkey Tensions: Turkish court rejects appeal to free American pastor

World
Europe

02:11

Let's begin with the new threats of sanctions between Turkey and the United States. The diplomatic spat taking a toll on the lira is at the center of the dispute again. The US has demanded Turkey release American pastor Andrew Brunson, a demand rejected by a Turkish court. CGTN's Michal Bardavid has the details from Istanbul.

On Friday - a court in Izmir affirmed the lower court's decision and also rejected Brunson's appeal to be released from house arrest. It was stated that evidence was still being collected and that Brunson posed a flight risk. Meanwhile, US President Trump again emphasized Brunson was innocent while Turkey says US actions are affecting the global economy. Let's listen:

DONALD TRUMP US PRESIDENT "Well, Turkey's been a problem for a long time. They have not acted as a friend. We'll see what happens. They have a wonderful Christian pastor - Pastor Brunson. They made up these phony charges that he's a spy. He's not a spy."

RUHSAR PEKCAN TURKEY TRADE MINISTER "We are witnessing the United States mixing political issues and economic cooperation issues without regard to sensitivity. And this not only is negatively affecting growth of the American economy, but also the global economy."

Earlier Turkish officials had stated they were open to dialogue if the US was constructive and shifted away from talks of sanctions and threats - that is yet to happen.

On Friday following the Turkish court decision and talks of sanctions from both sides - Turkey's lira weakened and ended the day with about a 4% decline. Meanwhile, Turks are preparing for a holiday. And those were travelling abroad probably can feel the pain of the lira is weakening over the last weeks.

MICHAL BARDAVID ISTANBUL "Especially people are worry whether or not the United States and Turkey will come to, once again, to resolve their issues, if they will be able to go once again towards a negotiation of positive constructive talks, instead of talks of sanctions as Turkish economy is being affected. Michal Bardavid for CGTN in Istanbul."