Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Global Human Rights, issued the following statement on Turkey:

“From the annulment of the results of Istanbul’s recent mayoral election to Turkey’s unilateral decision to commence offshore oil drilling in the territorial waters of Cyprus, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is cementing his legacy as a menace to democratic values and international security.  I condemn these developments and urge President Erdogan to halt this reckless trajectory. Turkey’s future must be rooted in respect for the rule of law and for universally-recognized human rights, and constructive security cooperation with the United States and Western allies.”