Turkey slams US embassy's remarks on press freedom

By Vakkas Dogantekin

ANKARA (AA) - Turkey slammed remarks from the U.S. Embassy in Ankara on Friday criticizing the country on World Press Freedom Day.

Presidential Communications Director Fahrettin Altun, responded to the mission on Twitter, urging Washington to focus on its own "longstanding problems".

"We will continue to urge the United States to stop hiding behind press freedom," said Altun.

"Instead of pointing fingers at other nations, Washington must focus on addressing longstanding problems such as extreme poverty and racial discrimination," Altun added.

The U.S. Embassy had earlier criticized Turkey's performance in press freedom.

"We will continue to urge Turkey to respect and ensure freedom of expression, fair trial guarantees and judicial independence," it said.

Turkey has repeatedly criticized the double standards exercised by American officials when it comes to human rights, press freedom and freedom of speech.