POMPEO SEEKING TO “RESOLVE THE MATTER”
by Sharon Rondeau
(Jul. 28, 2018) — The U.S. State Department announced in a brief statement on Saturday that Secretary of State Mike Pompeo spoke with Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu on a number of matters to include the home-confinement of Pastor Andrew Brunson.
On Wednesday the State Department and mainstream media reported that Brunson, 50, was released from prison, where he has been held for more than 20 months, to his residence in Ankara.
In October 2016, Brunson and his wife were arrested on charges that they conspired to commit crimes against the Turkish state. After three days, his wife was released but Brunson imprisoned, reportedly under extremely harsh conditions.
At least one outlet reported that Brunson was released from prison for health reasons.
Brunson’s trial was reportedly started and stopped several times prior to last week’s development.
Pompeo and other U.S. officials have indicated that their goal is to bring Brunson and his family home. Prior to beginning his ministry in Turkey approximately 23 years ago, Brunson was a resident of North Carolina.
The State Department’s announcement reads:
Secretary Michael R. Pompeo spoke today with Turkey’s Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu to discuss the case of Pastor Andrew Brunson. The Secretary and Foreign Minister committed to continued discussions to resolve the matter and address other issues of common concern.
President Trump has discussed Brunson’s plight with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and on Wednesday Pompeo, while celebrating Brunson’s release from prison, said “it is not enough.” As of Wednesday, Brunson’s trial was scheduled to resume in October, The New York Times reported.