Turkey: Opposition urges presidential rebuff of Trump

By Muhammet Emin Avundukluoglu

ANKARA (AA) - Turkey’s main opposition party on Wednesday urged President Recep Tayyip Erdogan -- currently visiting Washington -- to rebuff controversial letters his U.S. counterpart sent him last month and this week.

''I call on Erdogan: Tonight, don't be part of a work that makes our nation's head bow,'' Engin Altay, deputy group chair of the Republican People's Party (CHP), told reporters in parliament. “We know how to back you."

Altay's remarks came ahead of a meeting between Erdogan and U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday at the White House.

A letter Trump sent to Erdogan on Oct. 9 made headlines worldwide for what many saw as rudeness. On Monday, Trump sent a second letter threatening sanctions over Turkey’s use of Russian S-400 missile defense systems.

Altay called on Erdogan to "give Trump the response to the two letters in line with our nation's glory and honor."

“There’s no need to cringe with embarrassment. This nation is a big nation, this country is a big country. I hope that we do not experience a new disappointment," he added.