US, Turkey mutually suspend visa services for security reasons
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ANKARA - The US mission in Turkey and subsequently the Turkish mission in Washington mutually scaled back visa services after a US consulate employee was arrested in Turkey, in the latest sign of fraying diplomatic relations between the NATO allies.
Last week, the US mission employee in Istanbul was arrested on charges of links to a cleric blamed for last year's failed coup, a move condemned by Washington as baseless.
"Recent events have forced the United States government to reassess the commitment of government of Turkey to the security of US mission and personnel," the mission in Ankara said in a statement.
"In order to minimize the number of visitors to our embassy and consulates while this assessment proceeds, effective immediately we have suspended all non-immigrant visa services at all US diplomatic facilities in Turkey."
The Turkish embassy in Washington followed suit, and made virtually the same statement, only replacing the country names.
