US tariffs to stay as ally aids Turkey

Qatar's emir pledges $15b in investment to support currency

ISTANBUL/WASHINGTON - The United States has ruled out removing steel tariffs that have contributed to a currency crisis in Turkey even if Ankara frees a US pastor, as Qatar pledged $15 billion in investment to support a rise in the Turkish lira.

The US stance appeared to give Turkish authorities little incentive to work for the release of Andrew Brunson, a pastor on trial in Turkey on terrorism charges and whose case Turkish officials have said was a matter for the courts.