The newly appointed U.S. Ambassador to Turkey Francis Ricciardone visited the central office of Justice and Development Party (AKP) in Ankara.

The Deputy Chairman of AKP Party Omer Celik received Ricciardone. Following a 1.5-hour meeting, the Ambassdor answered journalists’ questions. Ricciardone declined to comment on his attitude towards freedom of speech in Turkey amid the recent arrest of reporters in the country.

Several days ago Francis Ricciardone stressed they keep track of the developments in Turkey. He stressed on the one hand reporters are arrested, on the other hand a freedom of speech is much spoken about. Free media and freedom of speech are of great significance to Turkey, he noted.

Later, the newly appointed Ambassador made some corrections. He stressed they try to understand what is happening in the country. According to him, Turkey is an important state and they try to make things clear.