(AP) -- Yildirim on Tuesday also slammed Washington for the arrest of a Turkish banker for his alleged role in helping Iran escape U.S. sanctions, and for its failure to extradite U.S.-based cleric Fethullah Gulen, who Turkey says was behind last year's failed coup.

The U.S. on Sunday suspended most visa services for Turkish citizens after the arrest of a Turkish staff member at the U.S. consulate on charges of espionage and alleged ties to Gulen's movement. Turkey retaliated by halting visas services in the U.S.

Yildirim said: "Turkey is a state of law. ... Were we to seek the permission of the (U.S.) gentlemen?"

(Photo: haber)