The US has stopped issuing nonimmigrant visas in Turkey
ANKARA, 8 Jan — RIA Novosti. The U.S. Embassy in Ankara announced on Sunday to suspend the issuance of nonimmigrant visas at U.S. diplomatic missions in Turkey.
The U.S. Embassy in Turkey said earlier that the U.S. government expresses deep concern over the arrest of an employee of the American Consulate General in Istanbul Metin Toposa and considers the allegations against him are unfounded and undermining long-standing relationship with Turkey.
“Recent events have forced the US government to reconsider the question of the obligations of the government of Turkey in relation to the security of U.S. diplomatic missions and their personnel. In order to minimize the number of visitors to our Embassy and consulates, we have suspended all nonimmigrant visa services to all U.S. diplomatic missions in Turkey” — said the Embassy statement, posted on Twitter.
On Wednesday a Turkish court has arrested Topuse for alleged links with the organization of the opposition Islamic preacher Fethullah Gulen (FETO), which the Turkish authorities blamed the coup attempt in July last year and demanded that the US extradite him. According to Turkish media, Topuz is accused of undermining the constitutional system, espionage and attempting to overthrow the Turkish government. He also is suspected of having links with the former Prosecutor Zekeria oz and police officers investigating high-profile case of corruption in the higher echelons of power in December 2013.