LOC17:59
14:59 GMT
ANKARA, May 22 (KUNA) -- The Turkish Foreign Ministry on Monday summoned the US ambassador to Turkey US ambassador to Turkey John Bass, to protest against the "aggressive and unprofessional actions" of American security personnel towards the foreign minister's protection team outside the Turkish embassy in Washington last week.
The incident took place on May 16 when Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu was visiting the US capital along with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan during his official tour to meet American President Donald Trump.
A group of anti-Turkey protesters clashed with some Turkish-Americans, who had gathered outside the chancery to welcome Erdogan.
A "written and verbal protest" was delivered to the US ambassador over the actions of the American personnel that was "contrary to diplomatic rules and practices," the ministry said in a statement Monday.
"It has been formally requested that the US authorities conduct a full investigation of this diplomatic incident and provide the necessary explanation," it said.
During the meeting with the ambassador, it was emphasized that the lapses of security experienced during Erdogan's stay in Washington, which were caused by the inability of US authorities to take sufficient precautions at every stage of the official program, will not overshadow what in every other aspect was a very successful and important visit, the ministry said. (end)
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