Turkey PM decries anti-Muslim rhetoric in US elections

ANKARA

Prime Minister Binali Yildirim on Monday expressed “discomfort” at the anti-Muslim rhetoric used in U.S. presidential race.

"A presidential election campaign is going on in our close ally and partner, the United States. We would like to express our discomfort about the anti-Muslim comments in this campaign that fuel hate speech,” Yildirim said during an iftar event at his ruling Justice and Development (AK) Party’s headquarters in Ankara.

Yildirim appeared to target Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, but did not mention his name.

“It is critical that these approaches should not gain ground beyond the election process, and that they are offset by effective policies,” Yildirim said.

Trump has repeatedly targeted Muslims in his bid to become president, including calling for a ban on their entering the U.S. in the wake of deadly shootings in San Bernadino, California, last December that killed 14 victims.

He repeated his call following an attack on a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida, earlier this month in which 49 victims were killed.