Islam Times - Trump promises Turkey "devastating" sanctions if Pence meeting does not work

Islam Times - US President Donald Trump has said Washington would "try to settle the matter" with Turkey over its attack in northeastern Syria, but sanctions would be "devastating" if talks with Ankara did not go well.

According to the agency "Reuters", Trump said "We are in a strong position," to the reporters on Wednesday at the White House hours before Vice President, Mike Pence headed to Ankara with US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo.

Trump said at a news conference with Italian President Sergio Mattarella: "I think they will have a successful meeting ... If not, the sanctions, fees and other things we impose on Turkey will be devastating for the Turkish economy."

In a related context, US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, said his department has given Pompeo and Pence a list of additional sanctions may be imposed if Turkey does not stop its attack, hinting that the sanctions may target more Turkish ministers and ministries or industries.

Trump had earlier threatened his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan to impose destructive sanctions on his country, if the meeting, which is expected to bring together Recep Tayyip Erdogan with Mike Pence, did not succeed.