ERBIL, Kurdistan Region – The United States has suspended all non-immigrant visa services in Turkey due to security concerns. Turkey quickly retaliated with a similar move.
“Recent events have forced the United States Government to reassess the commitment of the Government of Turkey to the security of US Mission facilities and personnel,” reads a statement issued by the US Embassy in Ankara on Sunday.
Earlier this week, Turkish authorities arrested a Turkish national employed by the US consulate on alleged links to Fethullah Gulen, the US-based cleric Ankara blames for orchestrating last year’s failed coup.
The embassy’s statement said the decision was made “in order to minimize the number of visitors” at its offices and was “effective immediately.”
Turkey retaliated Sunday evening, suspending US visa applications, with a near-identical statement.
“Recent events have forced Turkish Government to reassess the commitment of the Government of the United States to the security of Turkish Mission facilities and personnel,” reads a statement issued by Turkey’s embassy in Washington.
“In order to minimize the number of visitors to our Embassy and Consulates while this assessment proceeds, effective immediately we have suspended all non-immigrant visa service at all Turkish diplomatic facilities in the US.”
The embassy said the step applies to in-passport visas as well as e-visas and visas issued at the borders.
Last updated at 11:50 pm
“Recent events have forced the United States Government to reassess the commitment of the Government of Turkey to the security of US Mission facilities and personnel,” reads a statement issued by the US Embassy in Ankara on Sunday.
Earlier this week, Turkish authorities arrested a Turkish national employed by the US consulate on alleged links to Fethullah Gulen, the US-based cleric Ankara blames for orchestrating last year’s failed coup.
The embassy’s statement said the decision was made “in order to minimize the number of visitors” at its offices and was “effective immediately.”
Turkey retaliated Sunday evening, suspending US visa applications, with a near-identical statement.
“Recent events have forced Turkish Government to reassess the commitment of the Government of the United States to the security of Turkish Mission facilities and personnel,” reads a statement issued by Turkey’s embassy in Washington.
“In order to minimize the number of visitors to our Embassy and Consulates while this assessment proceeds, effective immediately we have suspended all non-immigrant visa service at all Turkish diplomatic facilities in the US.”
The embassy said the step applies to in-passport visas as well as e-visas and visas issued at the borders.
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