Turkey May Release US Pastor Brunson This Month - Pompeo

Sumaira FH Published September 24, 2018 | 09:25 PM

Turkey may release US pastor Andrew Brunson later this month, Secretary of State Michael Pompeo said in a press briefing on Monday.

UNITED NATIONS (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 24th September, 2018) Turkey may release US pastor Andrew Brunson later this month, Secretary of State Michael Pompeo said in a press briefing on Monday.

"Yes, he could be released this month," Pompeo told reporters at the UN General Assembly in New York.

Pompeo said the pastor "should be released" in September, adding "he should be released today, in fact."

The secretary emphasized that Turkey knows all of Washington's requirements to put an end to the issue.

"Pastor Brunson and other US persons who are being held by Turkey all need to be released by Turkey, and that needs to be done immediately," Pompeo said.

US-Turkish relations deteriorated amid series of incidents, including the detention of Brunson by Turkish authorities.

Brunson has been detained by Turkey since 2016 because of his alleged ties to the movement of Islamic cleric Fethullah Gulen. Turkey holds Gulen responsible for orchestrating the failed military coup of 2016.

The pastor was released from prison in late July, only to be placed under house arrest.