Sanctions on our two ministers will not go inanswered: Turkey

Ankara: Turkey strongly protests against a decision by the US Treasury Department to impose sanctions on two ministers, the Foreign Ministry said in a written statement.

"An equivalent response to this aggressive attitude will be given without delay," it said.

The ministry called on the US administration to reverse its "wrong decision", according to Anadolu Agency (AA).

"There is no doubt that the decision, which disrespectfully intervenes in our judicial system, stands in contrast to the essence of our relations and will seriously damage the constructive efforts made in order to resolve problems between the two countries," it said.

"US attempt to impose sanctions on our two ministers will not go unanswered," Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Twitter.

He also said the two countries would not resolve issues unless the US administration realizes that Turkey will not give in to unlawful US demands with this method, AA reported.

Previously, White House spokesperson Sarah Sanders said the US would impose sanctions on Turkeys ministers of justice and interior for not releasing American Pastor Andrew Craig Brunson, who faces terrorism charges in Turkey.

In a written statement published Wednesday, the US Treasury Department said that Justice Minister Abdulhamit Gul and Minister of Interior Suleyman Soylu "played leading roles in the organizations responsible for the arrest and detention of Pastor Andrew Brunson".

According to US law, those mentioned on the sanctions list will have any of their assets and properties under US jurisdiction blocked and American businesses and individuals will be prohibited from engaging in financial transactions with them.