U.S GOVT CONCERNED FOR JOURNALISTS IN TURKEY.

WASHINGTON, Feb 17 Asia Pulse - A U.S. Department of State spokesman stood behind U.S. Ambassador to Turkey, saying U.S. government had concerns over treatment of journalist in Turkey.

Spokesman Philip Crowley's remarks came one day after the recently appointed U.S. ambassador in Ankara, Francis Ricciardone, said he could not understand how Turkish journalists detained while at the same time addresses about freedom of speech are given.

Ricciardone was talking about recent police raid on an internet news portal and four people detained after the raid in connection with Ergenekon probe.

Philip Crowley told a daily press briefing that U.S. government was closely monitoring treatment of journalists in Turkey and voiced their concern about the matter.

He said U.S. government stood behind Ricciardone's remarks, adding that Turkey was a friend and ally of the United States.

(TUR) ry

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