On the recordJune 6, 2017
This has been painful not only for the protesters, it is painful for our country because Turkey is an ally. We have our differences with Turkey, but we are dependent on Turkey for security matters. If this had never happened before, perhaps we could say that Turkey just doesn't understand how we operate in this country. The fact that it was the third incident makes it particularly bothersome. Now, we are aware how sensitive this matter is. You cannot deal with a foreign adversary who happens to be an ally at the same time as if he were simply the enemy or our opponent. We have to understand the sensibilities of operating in the international sphere. But it is clear that Turkey doesn't understand that. I was particularly concerned that Mr. Erdogan was in his car the entire time. He could have gotten out of his car and called attention to his security detail. He could have asked a staff member to do the very same thing. Instead, he stayed in his car, got out after the security detail from the D.C. police department had calmed things, stood there and had nothing to say. If we let this third incident go by with no response or accept--or even seem to accept--the Turkish response, that will be a signal to keep it up. So I am so pleased that my good friend on the other side and I are in unison on this.…
