Turkey Summons U.S. Diplomat over Spying Claims
Turkey on Wednesday summoned the U.S. embassy's number two diplomat over allegations that Washington spied on a number of embassies and missions including Turkey's, the foreign ministry said.
Turkey demanded an "explanation" from U.S. charge d'affaires Jess Baily, who was invited to the foreign ministry in the American ambassador's absence, the ministry said in a statement.
The move comes after Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu met with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry in Brunei on the sidelines of an international gathering, it said.
The foreign ministry said media reports of widespread U.S. bugging of European diplomatic missions were "worrisome". It said an evaluation would be made "in light of answers received from U.S. authorities with regard to the claims."
Media reports that the U.S. National Security Agency (NSA) bugged European offices and embassies have caused wide concern in Europe. The European Union, France and Germany have angrily demanded answers over the allegations.
U.S. President Barack Obama has stopped short of acknowledging any spying by the United States but suggested snooping by the world's intelligence services is widespread.
Source: Agence France Presse
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