Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan on Tuesday called on world leaders at the United Nations to take measures against a US -based cleric’s “terrorist network” that he said threatened their security. “It is evident from our experience that if you do not fight the Gulen network at this stage, it may be too late later”.
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The Turkish leader demanded global action against the US-exiled preacher Fethullah Gulen, whom he accuses of orchestrating an aborted coup d’etat against him.
Further in his address, Erdogan hailed the Turkish peoples’ bravery in defeating the coup attempt in July this year and said that in doing so, the country became a source of inspiration for all others. “It is a two-way street and the European Union should fulfil its promises”, he said.
The men maintained their lives would be in danger if they were forcibly returned to Turkey, denied any involvement in the coup and said they had fled when their helicopter came under fire. “We will get involved in actions taken by the (U.S. -led) coalition forces”, he said.
In an interview with Reuters on Monday, Erdogan said the United States should “not harbour a terrorist” like Gulen and said his activities around the world should be banned.
FETO is infiltrating state institutions, influencing the society and dominating economy “under the disguise of education, dialogue, tolerance, non-governmental organization and ostensibly good intentions”, he said.
The Turkish president didn’t specify for how long the state of emergency may be extended.
“Assad can not be part of any transitional period. the world should find a solution that does not involve Assad”.
He said Ankara had “no expectations with regards to the territory of Syria”, and attaches great significance to an undivided Syria. The Turkish leader said Gulen’s “terror network” should be dismantled by the global powers.
Turkey launched Operation Euphrates Shield on August 24 to reestablish stability and peace to a region in despair, Erdogan said.
Erdogan said Turkey ranks number one in the world with a GDP-to-aid ratio, contributing 0.54 percent of its Gross Domestic Product as humanitarian aid.
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Erdogan also touched on Islamophobia, describing it as an “alternative name to racism and discrimination”, urging governments to do more to thwart it.
