NATO chief apologizes to Turkey after drill incident

Jens Stoltenberg says showing Erdogan as 'enemy collaborator' during NATO drill was 'an individual's actions'

By Ilker Girit

ISTANBUL (AA) - NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg on Friday apologized to Turkey after a civilian Norwegian official depicted Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan as an “enemy collaborator” during a NATO drill in Norway.

In a written statement, Stoltenberg said: "I apologize for the offence that has been caused. The incidents were the result of an individual’s actions and do not reflect the views of NATO.

"The individual in question was immediately removed from the exercise by the Joint Warfare Centre, and an investigation is underway.

"He was a civilian contractor seconded by Norway and not a NATO employee. It will be for the Norwegian authorities to decide on any disciplinary action."

The NATO chief added Turkey is a "valued NATO Ally, which makes important contributions to Allied security".

Kaynak:

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