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Turkish State Minister for foreign trade Zafer Caglayan said Monday that Turkey would abide by the UN decision to impose new round of sanctions on Iran over its nuclear program, adding, "but decisions made by the United States do not bind us."

Caglayan, who is currently in the Syrian port city of Latakia to attend the second meeting of the High-level Strategic Cooperation Council, told reporters, "there are only weapons and missile heads on the list of embargoes approved by the UN about the sanctions on Iran. But despite the list, they are trying to put embargo on all kinds of trade including baby food."

"Turkey will act in line with UN decisions. But decisions made by the United States on its own do not bind us," he said.

When asked whether Turkish bankers were subject to pressure because of embargo imposed on Iran, Caglayan said, "a delegation from the USA came to Turkey and held talks with Turkish bankers. But they did not meet with me although I am the minister in charge of coordination of banks. Turkish banks have been put under pressure, which is completely against the principle of rule of law. We cannot tolerate it. I will travel to the USA on October 17. This issue will be on my agenda during the meetings."

Caglayan added that he would also hold talks with U.S. officials on the Turkey-USA Business Council and establishment of a new business council under the model partnership proposed by U.S. President Barack Obama.


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