Erdogan may call off U.S. trip after Congress votes – officials
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan may call off a visit to Washington next week in protest at votes in the House of Representatives recognizing the Armenian Genocide, Reuters reported, citing three Turkish officials.
The source reminded that Erdogan is due in Washington on Nov. 13 at President Donald Trump’s invitation, but said last week that the votes put a “question mark” over the plans. “These steps seriously overshadow ties between the two countries. Due to these decisions, Erdogan’s visit has been put on hold,” a senior Turkish official said, adding that a final decision had not been taken.
Turkish sources say Trump and Erdogan have a strong bond despite anger in Congress over Turkey’s Syria offensive and its purchase of Russian air defences, and despite what Ankara sees as Trump’s own erratic pronouncements.