Turkey Reportedly Issues Arrest Warrant For Another U.S. Consulate Worker

Reports from Turkey say the authorities have issued a detention warrant for a U.S. consulate worker amid a diplomatic row that has prompted both sides to halt most visa services.

Turkish media reported on October 9 that the suspect was still being sought and his wife and child were being questioned by police.

In response to the detention of a local employee working at the U.S. Consulate in Istanbul last week, the U.S. mission to Turkey announced a suspension of all nonimmigrant visa services in the country.

An October 8 statement said recent events had forced it to "reassess the commitment of the government of Turkey to the security of U.S. mission facilities and personnel."

Turkey announced it was taking reciprocal measures, saying it had "suspended all nonimmigrant visa service" at Turkish diplomatic facilities in the United States.

On October 9, Turkey's Foreign Ministry called on Washington to review its decision, saying the suspension was causing "unnecessary tensions."

The Istanbul consulate worker is accused of links to the group of U.S.-based cleric Fethullah Gulen, who Ankara says orchestrated last year's failed coup against the government.

No reason has been given for the latest warrant.

Ankara has pressed Washington for Gulen's extradition. The cleric has denied any link to the July 2016 coup attempt.

Based on reporting by AFP, Reuters, and dpa