Turkey, Egypt recall ambassadors

Turkey's Foreign Ministry says its ambassador to Egypt is returning to Ankara today after both countries recalled their ambassadors following the violent crackdown on supporters of Mohammed Morsi, the ousted Egyptian president.

Turkey's Islamic-based government had strongly backed Morsi as an example for the Arab world of a democratically elected pro-Islamic leader and has strongly criticized his July 3 ouster. Tensions grew further following Turkey's criticism of the Egyptian military's move against his supporters in which hundreds died.

Both countries announced late Tuesday that they were recalling their ambassadors for consultations.

Turkey's ambassador to Cairo has been summoned by Egypt's Foreign Ministry recently over the Turkish criticisms.