Biden to meet Erdogan as post-coup tensions surge
US Vice President Joe Biden is set to meet with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the White House says, marking another attempt by Washington to improve worsening ties with Ankara since the failed coup in July.
Biden will arrive in the Turkish capital on August 24, the White House said in a statement on Saturday.
"While in Ankara, the Vice President will meet with President Erdogan and Prime Minister [Binali] Yildirim to discuss the US-Turkey relationship and a range of issues of importance to both nations," the statement read.
On July 15, a faction of Turkish armed forces used tanks and attack helicopters to seize power from Erdogan.
Relations between the US and Turkey soured after Washington questioned Ankara’s strong reaction to the putsch and refused to extradite Fethullah Gulen, a US-based opposition figure whom Erdogan accuses of masterminding the botched attempt.
The American VP will most probably face questions about Gulen’s extradition during the talks. Turkey has made it clear that it will make no compromise in this regard.
"There is no compromise apart from this chief terrorist coming to Turkey and being prosecuted," Yildirim was quoted as saying by Turkey’s Anadolu Agency on Saturday, adding it was “the only way to prevent the rising sentiment against America.”
According to the top Turkish diplomat, Ankara has sent the necessary documents to Washington and has received "positive signals" about an extradition deal.
Biden’s visit to Turkey follows another high profile visit by the US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Joseph Dunford, who made a stop in Ankara during a Middle East tour earlier this month.
According to the Turkish PM’s office, the top American general had condemned the coup in meetings with Erdogan and Yildirim.
Biden has long mediated relations between Turkey and US President Barack Obama’s administration. He last visited Turkey in January.
Back then, he blasted the NATO ally for setting a poor example in the region in intimidating media, limiting internet freedom and accusing academics of treason.
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