US tariffs to remain even if pastor freed: White House
The White House on Aug. 15 said U.S. tariffs on aluminum and steel imports from Turkeyare "specific to national security."
Speaking at a news conference, White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said tariffs on Turkey would not be removed even if detained American Pastor Andrew Brunson, who is facing terrorism charges in Turkey, is released. “The tariffs that are in place on steel would not be removed with the release of pastor Brunson. The tariffs are specific to national security," she said.
The U.S will consider the removal of the sanctions that have been placed on Turkey and are "specific to pastor Brunson and others" when the aforesaid people are released, Sanders added.
Turkey and the U.S. are currently experiencing rocky relations following Washington’s imposition of sanctions on two government ministers for not releasing American pastor Andrew Brunson, who faces terrorism-related charges in Turkey.
