Turkish President Threatens to Send Back New Zealanders and Australians in a Casket

The Turkish President's rhetoric that he will send New Zealanders and Asutralians with anti-Islam sentiment back in a casket has gone down well with the two countries. Recep Tayyip Erdogan made this statement at a campaign rally in northern Turkey. The President criticized the role of Anzacs in Gallipoli. "Your grandparents came here and they returned in caskets. Have no doubt, we will send you back like your grandfathers."

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, in a press conference, said the Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters will confront those issues while in Turkey. She said this will not change New Zealand's relationship with Turkey. "It's so deeply entrenched. They have cared for our fallen. I reject the idea we are losing that relationship." The Deputy PM who is presently in Indonesia said it would be premature to review New Zealand's travel advisory on Turkey.

Meanwhile, the Australian prime minister Scott Morrison has described the Turkish president's statements as reckless and deeply offensive. "I don't find these comments very helpful, I don't find them very accurate or truthful as well because the actions of the Australian and New Zealand governments have been consistent with our values of welcome and supporting people from all around the world." Morrison summoned the Turkish ambassador to Australia to demand the comments be withdrawn. He said further diplomatic action would follow if they were not.