Third anniversary of the 15 July coup attempt: Peoples will to preserve Turkish democracy stronger than ever
Since the heroic and successful resistance of the Turkish people against the coup attempt carried out by the enemies of state, 15 July is observed as “Democracy and National Unity Memorial Day” in Turkey
Devrim Ozturk
Three important years have passed since the heinous 15 July coup attempt, which was carried out by the Fetullah Gulen Terrorist Organisation (FETO). In the history of ninety-six year-old Republic of Turkey, there is not one terrorist attack more savage and treacherous than the coup attempt orchestrated by Fetullahist traitors on the night of 15 July 2016. The deadliest attack that Turkey has ever experienced took two hundred and fifty one innocent lives and injured more than two thousand people. Memory of our martyrs is what keeps our will stronger than ever to preserve Turkish democracy on the verge of the hundredth anniversary of its coming to existence.
On that horrific night, the brainwashed so-called soldiers affiliated with FETO murdered civilians from all ages who bravely defended Turkish democracy. Their tanks crushed these innocent people, along with their attempt to assassinate the President. They used fighter jets to bomb the Turkish Parliament, the Presidential Compound, the National Intelligence Headquarters, and the Special Forces Headquarters in an effort to subdue the resistance against them.
The last three years was a period of perseverance and resilience shown by our people to prove to the world that Turks do not recognise any power over their will. The Turkish people from all ethnicities, religions and ideologies became united to get over this national trauma with solidarity. Despite being affected by the horrific events, Turkish economy maintained its stable growth. Remarkable infrastructure projects enhanced the well-being of the Turkish nation.
The fight against FETO both inside and outside Turkey has constituted one of the main priorities of our State. We brought perpetrators of the 15 July coup attempt to justice on the basis of the rule of law, and unveiled FETOs organisational structure within governmental institutions. Furthermore, FETOs attempts to spread across all areas of the economy including education, media and banking sectors have been thwarted.
As a result of our ongoing fight against this clandestine organisation within our borders, FETO transformed itself in order to survive abroad through its international structure. Thus, Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs attaches great significance to the fight against FETO structures abroad by demonstrating and proving the fact that FETO also poses a threat to the security of other countries where it remains active.
The concrete examples gathered indicate that FETO does not hesitate to violate laws by acting almost like a secretive intelligence service and aims to establish political and economic zones of influence all around the world. In this respect, we have taken administrative measures and initiated legal proceedings to limit the manoeuvring space of the FETO terrorist organisation abroad and prevent its radical affiliates from transferring money and escaping justice. We have requested the extradition of the main FETO ringleaders from the countries where these individuals are located.
We gladly observe that the international community gradually understands that FETO is not a social movement that engages with education and charity, but rather a dark and insidious organisation with political and economic ambitions. Various international organisations have declared FETO as a terrorist organisation: The forty-third session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) declared this fact on 19 October 2016. A similar resolution was written at the Asian Parliamentary Assembly on 1 December 2016 and ratified at the twelfth Conference of the Parliamentary Union of the OIC on 27 January 2017. We appreciate the support of the international community on our rightful efforts against the imminent threat posed by FETO.
The awareness raised regarding FETO in third countries has also stimulated closer monitoring and investigation of the activities related to these elements by the authorities of these states. Many states deport the members of FETO to third countries or extradite them to Turkey after finding out their unlawful acts threatening peace and stability. The Turkish Maarif Foundation takes over FETO-affiliated schools abroad, which disguise as harmless educational institutions to infiltrate into societies and gradually enlarge economic and political influence.
We appreciate the support of Bangladesh in its efforts on keeping FETO-affiliated individuals and institutions away from the country. I deem necessary to emphasise that a handful of remnant FETO affiliates still residing in Bangladesh pose serious threat to this country, exploiting their previous connections with some institutions and misguided individuals. As close partners on the international fight against terrorism, Turkey and Bangladesh will work together to curb global terrorism and militancy with zero tolerance towards dreadful clandestine organisations and their illicit activities. All countries that provide safe haven to terrorists stay in the danger of being damaged by their perverted motives.
We gratefully remember the solidarity message from the Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, addressed to our President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, sent shortly after the foiled coup attempt, supporting the legitimate government and people of Turkey on their commitment to preserve and defend Turkish democracy. This gesture is rooted in the historical friendship between Turkey and Bangladesh, which was initiated with the invaluable assistance provided by the Bengali people during the Turkish Liberation War.
Since the heroic and successful resistance of the Turkish people against the coup attempt carried out by the enemies of state, 15 July is observed as Democracy and National Unity Memorial Day in Turkey. On the occasion of this meaningful day, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to Turkish martyrs who sacrificed everything to save their country. I also pay tribute to martyrs from all around the world, including the Freedom Fighters of Bangladesh, who fell whilst protecting their freedom and democracy.
The writer is Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey to the Peoples Republic of Bangladesh
