Erdogan steps back from threat to expel 10 foreign envoys

Ankara: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has stepped back from his threat to declare the Ambassadors of 10 countries, including the US, Germany and France, as “persona non grata” after they made a joint statement for the release of a jailed businessman.

Speaking after a cabinet meeting, Erdogan welcomed a new statement by several Western embassies in Ankara, which noted that they abide by a diplomatic convention that stipulates not to interfere in a host country’s internal affairs, reports Xinhua news agency.

“Our intention is never to cause a crisis but to protect our honour, our pride, our sovereign rights. The new statement shows they have taken a step back



from the slander against our country. They will be careful now,” President said.

“It is the duty of the head of state to give the  response to this disrespect towards our judicial members,” he stated.

The US and other embassies on Monday issued statements, saying they respected a UN convention that required diplomats not to interfere in the host country’s domestic affairs.

The crises erupted last week after the embassies of the US, Germany, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway and Sweden in Ankara made a joint statement for the release of Osman Kavala.