Turkey summons U.S. envoy over 'aggressive' acts against Turkish security guards

The Turkish Foreign Ministry on Monday summoned the United States' ambassador in Ankara to protest against what it called as "aggressive and unprofessional actions" of American security personnel towards Turkish security guards in Washington during President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's recent visit to the country.

"The Ambassador of the Unites States of America in Ankara was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today and a written and verbal protest was delivered due to the aggressive and unproffessional actions taken, contrary to diplomatic rules and practices, by US security personnel towards the close protection team of H.E Mevlüt Çavusoglu, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkey, in front of the Turkish Embassy Chancery in Washington DC during the visit of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan last week," the Turkish Foreign Ministry said in a statement .

"It has been formally requested that the US authorities conduct a full investigation of this diplomatic incident and provide the necessary explanation," the statement added.

The incident took place on May 16 when Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu was in Washington along with President Erdogan during his official tour to meet American President Donald Trump, Anadolu news agency reported.

A group of anti-Turkey protesters clashed with some Turkish-Americans, who had gathered outside the chancery to welcome the Turkish president.

"During the meeting with the Ambassador, it was emphasized that the lapses of security experienced during our President's stay in Washington, which were caused by the inability of US authorities to take sufficient precautions at every stage of the official program, will not overshadow what in every other aspect was a very successful and important visit," the ministry said.