(MENAFN) Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has expressed his disappointment and anger towards the US ambassador to Ankara, Jeffry Flake, after the diplomat had a meeting with Erdogan's political rival in the upcoming presidential election. Erdogan made this statement during a ceremony he attended in the Bagcilar district of Istanbul on Sunday, which was dedicated to the official opening of nearly 100 houses and other facilities that were built following a series of devastating earthquakes. During a follow-up meeting with a group of officials from the far-right Grey Wolves movement, Erdogan expressed his concern over the May 14 election and the alleged abuse of diplomatic authority by the United States envoy.
Erdogan's statement comes after Ambassador Flake met with the leader of the Republican People's Party (CHP), Kemal Kilicdaroglu, on March 29. According to a tweet from the US Embassy, the meeting was held as part of ongoing conversations with Turkish political parties on issues of mutual interest between the two countries. However, Erdogan sees it as interference in Turkey's internal affairs, and believes that the ambassador's behavior is unacceptable.
"We need to teach America a lesson in these elections," Erdogan said, as cited by Anadolu. He went on to say that from now on, his "doors are closed" to the United States ambassador to Ankara, making it clear that he will not tolerate any interference from foreign diplomats in Turkey's political affairs.
This move by Erdogan is likely to increase tensions between the United States and Turkey, which have already been strained over a number of issues, including Turkey's purchase of Russian S-400 missiles and the imprisonment of American pastor Andrew Brunson. The United States has yet to respond to Erdogan's statement, but it is clear that this latest development will only serve to further complicate an already complex relationship between the two countries.
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