Turkey’s Prime Minister Binali Yildirim Friday cautioned that failed military coup plotters could launch revengeful acts in spite of their post-defeat weakness. Gulen has, however, denied any involvement in the coup.
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The US Vice President, however, said the ultimate decision rests with the courts.
Biden also praised the courage of Turks in the face of the coup attempt, once again condemning the July 15 overthrow attempt.
Turkey’s government said the attempted coup was organized by followers of Fetullah Gulen, who is accused of a long-running campaign to overthrow the state through infiltrating Turkish institutions, particularly the military, police, and judiciary, forming the so-called “parallel state”.
Supporters of Turkish President Recep Erdogan shout slogans during a rally at Kizilay main square, in Ankara, Turkey.
Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that the measure was being taken to counter threats to Turkish democracy and wasn’t meant to curb basic freedoms.
President Obama also offered United States assistance as Ankara investigates last week’s attempted coup, according to White House spokesman Josh Earnest.
Speaking to Turkish Television, he said Turkey and the U.S. are tied with an extradition agreement, noting that Washington does not show up evidence when it sends an extradition request against a terrorist group member. The US is now reviewing the documents according to the State Department.
Turkey’s Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu.
Cavusoglu pointed out that his country expects “concrete results” from the USA over the extradition request.
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Casvusoglu also said the USA suggested setting up a commission to discuss Gulen’s extradition and in the meantime Gulen would not be allowed to leave the country. These soldiers have requested asylum from Greece.
