Chinanews, October 25th, a comprehensive report, Turkish President Erdogan ordered the declaration of the ambassadors of 10 countries including the United States as "unwelcome people", and these ambassadors may be deported.

The analysis said that Erdogan made such a provocation against NATO allies because they jointly called on Turkey to release Kavala, a Turkish businessman who had participated in anti-government demonstrations.

How will this diplomatic turmoil end?

Data map: Turkish President Erdogan.

Photo by China News Agency reporter Sheng Jiapeng

"Unwelcome People"

　　Surrounding the imprisoned Turkish businessman Kavala, relations between Turkey and the United States and other Western countries are once again facing severe tests.

Turkish President Erdogan announced on the 23rd that the ambassadors of ten countries, including the United States and Germany, will be regarded as "unwelcome people."

He has given instructions to the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs to announce this decision as soon as possible.

Normally, diplomats who are declared "unwelcome persons" will be deported.

But Erdogan did not mention the relevant time limit.

　　A spokesperson for the US State Department responded: "We have understood these news and are seeking an explanation from the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs."

　　The current response of the Berlin Ministry of Foreign Affairs is: "We have learned the relevant statements and news reports of the Turkish President, and are currently in close communication with nine other countries."

　　In addition to Germany and the United States, the countries facing the expulsion of their ambassador to Turkey include France, Canada, Finland, Denmark, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway and Sweden.

Who is Kavala?

　　This diplomatic turmoil came from an earlier statement jointly issued by the ambassadors of ten countries to Turkey, asking the authorities to release Kavala.

　　Kavala is well-known in Turkey for his enthusiasm for philanthropy and funding cultural projects.

The 64-year-old Turkish entrepreneur and cultural patron has been detained since 2017.

　　Kavala was accused of participating in organizing anti-government demonstrations in 2013 and an attempted coup in 2016, and was detained after 2017.

The trial against him and the other 50 defendants is underway, and the trial is expected to continue at the end of November.

NATO allies face challenges

　　The turmoil surrounding Kavala may cause serious damage to the relations between Turkey, the EU and the United States, as an ally of NATO.

　　In particular, the relationship between Germany and Turkey has only just begun to gradually pick up.

German Chancellor Merkel also reiterated the importance of German-Turkish relations to Erdogan during her last visit before the end of her term as Chancellor.

　　Politicians from the German Liberal Democratic Party, the CDU and the Green Party condemned Turkey’s intentional plan to expel the ambassador.

The Deputy Speaker of the Bundestag Sirot from the Green Party called for sanctions to stop arms exports to Turkey.