Ambassador of Turkey to Moldova sends message in context of 03 years since events of July 2016

Chisinau, 13 July /MOLDPRES/ – The July 2016 events, initially perceived as a nightmare, later became the symbol of a historic victory for Turkish democracy that will never be forgotten. The message was sent by Ambassador of Turkey to Moldova, Gürol Sökmensüer, in the context of 03 years since the attack on 15 July 2016, described as "bloody terrorist attack in the history of Turkey."

"On the evening of 15 July 2016, a group of criminals attacked the democratically elected institutions and authorities in Turkey, fired in population, bombed presidential complex, and police and security services, while the civilian population went out in the streets to oppose the coup," wrote ambassador in an article.

The Parliament of Turkey was bombed more times on that night.

"Leaving aside political differences, Turkish citizens have manifested unity to protect their democratic rights against criminals which have set up a coup d'etat. They went out in the streets and defied criminals," said ambassador. There died 251 persons, including policemen and civilians, while over 2,200 ones were injured while opposing the coup.

The diplomat said it would be unreasonable for a state which had faced such a terrorist attack, which took lives of several citizens and attempted democratic principles, not to try to find the ones that set up this coup and not fight against them.

"All info and testimonies made after the terrorist attack showed that the coup d'état was fought by terrorist organisation Fethullahist (FETÖ). FETÖ is led by Fethullah Gulen, seen by his disciples as an "Imam of the World". This cult emerged in 1970s as a movement providing education services. FETÖ presents itself as an organisation that promotes education, and its members are promoted abroad as volunteers of education and peace. But they hide their real identities and infiltrate institutions of major importance such as military, judiciary and security system, which shows that real objective of organisation is to take control over state institutions," wrote ambassador of Turkey.

According to source, the authorities of Turkey have made efforts to uncover the structure in the country, "making significant progress in it." However, the coup on 15 July 2016 proved that the danger was much higher than it was believed.

"This terrorist organisation and its masked members, which opened schools in over 160 states under pretext of promoting inter – religious dialogue, seem to have gained the trust of persons they abused easily when needed. The schools open in different states are the "homes" that are the main means of funding and recruitment, where they "expect persons to be caught up in the network", also specifies the message.

Those who believe that the schools where the FETÖ members are disguised as teachers do not pose any danger should answer the following important question: Is it normal for an "educational movement" to be structured in cells, recognise its members by codes, have encrypted communication applications and teach their counter – espionage technicians and tactics to mask their affiliation? asks ambassador.

According to him, the taken measures, helped to destroy the spine of this organisation in Turkey. "All segments of Turkish society share and support the idea that unity and security of country can not be guaranteed as long as the danger of FETÖ is not eliminated. Recognising that terrorism is a flagrant violation of human rights, Turkey is using the right and liability to take the necessary steps to protect democracy, rule of law and fundamental rights in accordance with national law and international commitments," said Gürol Sökmensüer.

Under these terms, over 20 states have already extradited and deported members of terrorist movement from their territories, said diplomat. While 36 countries have closed schools of FETÖ network, Turkish Maarif Foundation, a non – profit educational institution operating internationally, has taken control of schools in 18 states.

However, the danger persists in many countries, the diplomat warns. In this context, he warned "friends and countries about the danger of FETÖ organisation" and concluded that "international solidarity is crucial to defeat this kind of terrorism."