Turkish envoy heads back to US after spat

AFP  |  Istanbul 

Turkey's to was today heading back to the after a spat over the official inauguration of the new US embassy in

Turkish meanwhile told daily that Kilic would be back at work by the time he meets his US counterpart on Monday.

recalled its to and early this month for consultations after dozens of Palestinians were killed by Israeli fire along the border on the same day the US celebrated the opening of its embassy in

In Washington, Pompeo and Cavusoglu are expected to try and agree terms for the withdrawal of US-backed from the Syrian town of Manbij, a move long sought by

Relations between the two NATO allies have become increasingly bitter in recent months over issues including US support for the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) militia.

argues the YPG is a branch of the outlawed which has been fighting against Turkey state since 1984 while Washington insists they are part of a legitimate opposition group called the Syrian Democratic Forces.

hosts a US military presence with American soldiers providing military support to the YPG in the fight against jihadists.

Turkish threatened to expand an incursion inside to after clearing the western enclave of Afrin of in January.

Cavusoglu told that in Washington both foreign ministers would publicise a timetable on the roadmap.

"We will make a joint statement that day," he said. "The concrete step is that YPG will be withdrawn from there," he added.

Cavusoglu said Turkey and the would decide together who would replace the YPG in and security forces.

Pompeo is also expected to raise the case of US pastor who has been held in detention in since October 2016 on terror and spying charges. Washington has repeatedly denounced his incarceration.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

First Published: Thu, May 31 2018. 15:55 IST