When U.S. Vice President Joe Biden visited Turkey in January, he struck a hard balance between showing support for a North Atlantic Treaty Organisation ally faced with multiple security threats while criticizing its record on free speech and dissent.
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The news comes as U.S. Vice President Joe Biden lands in Ankara, making him the most senior U.S. official to visit Turkey since the failed July 15 coup. But Turkish officials say a network of Gulen supporters for years infiltrated Turkey’s military and public offices to create a “parallel state”.
Washington has yet to do so, saying it needs clear evidence. That has angered Erdogan and caused an increase in anti-American sentiment from pro-government media.
When Biden is in Turkey, he should emphasize the need for Erdogan to maintain credibility in order to prevent a backlash in response to rights violations.
However, the extradition request is not related to the failed coup attempt last month in Turkey, State Department spokesperson Mark Toner said at a regular press briefing. “The decision on extradition will be made by the U.S. Federal Court”, he said.
U.S. leaders were outraged when Mr Erdogan accused Washington of either supporting or backing the coup. As the USA issued denials, Turkish officials complained that Washington was slow to support Turkey’s government at its time of greatest need, even though the US had expressed support for Erdogan during the violence that claimed 270 lives.
Gulen has denied any involvement, and the Justice Department is reviewing Turkey’s extradition requests, officials said.
“We can confirm now that Turkey has requested the extradition of Mr. Gulen but I wouldn’t characterise the request as relating to the coup attempt”.
“And people have an expectation that Gulen should be returned to Turkey immediately”.
Turkish authorities plan to complete the relocation of bases in Ankara and Istanbul by 11 September.
The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of White House rules, said Biden would address the conspiracy theories when he meets with Erdogan at the presidential palace in Ankara.
It’s “not a presidential decision”, said Earnest, but a decision for the Justice Department.
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However, Gulen is not the only problem standing between the two countries.
