US Department of State on Turkey's decision to expel the U.S. envoy: We are seeking clarity from the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs

US Department of State commented on Turkey's decision to expel the U.S. envoy and nine others. In an exclusive comment with Europetime State Department Spokesperson said that they are seeking clarity from the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

`We are aware of these reports and are seeking clarity from the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, - State Department Spokesperson said.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Saturday that he had told his foreign ministry to expel the ambassadors of the United States and nine other Western countries for demanding the release of philanthropist Osman Kavala.

Seven of the ambassadors represent Turkey's NATO allies and the expulsions, if carried out, would open the deepest rift with the West in Erdogan's 19 years in power.

Kavala, a contributor to numerous civil society groups, has been in prison for four years, charged with financing nationwide protests in 2013 and with involvement in a failed coup in 2016. He has remained in detention while his latest trial continues, and denies the charges.

In a joint statement on Oct. 18, the ambassadors of Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Finland, New Zealand, and the United States called for a just and speedy resolution to Kavala's case, and his "urgent release". They were summoned by the foreign ministry, which called the statement irresponsible.