Pompeo welcomes "positive momentum" in relationship with Turkey

WASHINGTON, Nov 20 (KUNA) -- US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo met Tuesday with his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu to discuss bilateral relations and the need "to work together" toward resolving the Syrian conflict.
"I welcome the positive momentum in our relationship following the release of Pastor Brunson and urge re-opening additional channels to address issues of mutual concern," Pompeo told a press conference at the State Department.
However, he asserted that the US is still "concerned about Turkey's continued unjust detention of US locally employed staff and citizens, including NASA scientist Serkan Golge." He added that they also discussed "the need to work together to de-escalate conflict in Syria, support the reinvigoration of the UN-led peace process and achieve a peaceful and lasting solution to the Syrian conflict." Cavusoglu, who arrived in New York on November 17 for the eighth Global Forum of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC), reportedly discussed with Pompeo some controversial issues, including the US support for YPG/PKK labelled by Turkey as a terror group. (end) rsr.gb