This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2016/jul/15/turkey-coup-attempt-military-gunfire-ankara

The article has changed 45 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 27 Version 28
Turkey coup fails as Erdoğan says military traitors must pay – live updates Turkey coup fails as Erdoğan says military traitors must pay – live updates
(35 minutes later)
1.43pm BST
13:43
Turkey’s state-run Anadolu Agency says all soldiers involved in the attempted coup at the military headquarters in the capital, Ankara, have been taken into custody.
The report says anti-terrorism police will now conduct a “detailed search” at the headquarters.
1.35pm BST
13:35
Helena Smith
Greece’s government spokesperson Olga Gerovasili has announced the Athens government is in touch with its counterpart in Ankara over the landing of a Turkish military helicopter with eight coup plotters on board in the northern border town of Alexandroupolis, Helena Smith reports
In the first official statement on the issue, the spokeswoman said the military aircraft had been accompanied by two fighter jets into Greek airspace and would be returned to Turkey as soon as possible. Suggesting that crisis-hit Greece wanted nothing to do with the bizarre incident, she also suggested that Greece would repatriate the eight military personnel aboard the helicopter.
“The Greek government has been in touch with Turkish authorities in order to arrange the return as soon as possible of the military helicopter to Turkish authorities,” she said. “With regards to the eight arrestees, procedures foreseen by international law will be upheld although it is seriously being taken into account that in their country the arrested stand accused of violating constitutional law and attempting the overthrow of democracy.”
1.23pm BST
13:23
Turkish authorities have removed 2,745 judges from duty following the coup attempt, broadcaster NTV reported, citing a decision by the High Council of Judges and Prosectors (HSYK).
Five members of HSYK, Turkey’s highest judiciary board, were also removed, state-run Anadolu agency reported.
Updated
at 1.34pm BST
1.12pm BST1.12pm BST
13:1213:12
Cleric blamed for coup denies involvementCleric blamed for coup denies involvement
US-based cleric Fethullah Gülen, who was blamed by President Erdogan for leading the attempted coup, has denied any involvement in the uprising, according to reports.US-based cleric Fethullah Gülen, who was blamed by President Erdogan for leading the attempted coup, has denied any involvement in the uprising, according to reports.
Reuters have released a statement from Gülen that says he “categorically denies” the claims that he orchestrated the coup, and argues power should be won through free and fair elections. He also reportedly said that Erdogan’s accusations were “especially insulting” as he suffered at the hands of multiple military coups in Turkey. Reuters have released a statement from Gülen that said he “categorically denies” the claims that he orchestrated the coup, and argued power should be won through free and fair elections. He also reportedly said Erdogan’s accusations were “especially insulting” as he suffered at the hands of multiple military coups in Turkey.
“I condemn, in the strongest terms, the attempted military coup in Turkey … Government should be won through a process of free and fair elections, not force,” the statement said. “I pray to God for Turkey, for Turkish citizens and for all those currently in Turkey that this situation is resolved peacefully and quickly … As someone who suffered under multiple military coups during the past five decades, it is especially insulting to be accused of having any link to such an attempt. I categorically deny such accusations.”“I condemn, in the strongest terms, the attempted military coup in Turkey … Government should be won through a process of free and fair elections, not force,” the statement said. “I pray to God for Turkey, for Turkish citizens and for all those currently in Turkey that this situation is resolved peacefully and quickly … As someone who suffered under multiple military coups during the past five decades, it is especially insulting to be accused of having any link to such an attempt. I categorically deny such accusations.”
UpdatedUpdated
at 1.16pm BST at 1.35pm BST
1.05pm BST1.05pm BST
13:0513:05
Leaders of Turkey’s religious communities have released a joint statement condemning the attempted coup.Leaders of Turkey’s religious communities have released a joint statement condemning the attempted coup.
The statement from representatives of the Jewish, Christian and Muslim communities declares “our great sorrow over the terrorist attacks that disturb the peace of our great nation and of the world”.The statement from representatives of the Jewish, Christian and Muslim communities declares “our great sorrow over the terrorist attacks that disturb the peace of our great nation and of the world”.
The signatories include the president of Turkey’s Directorate of Religious Affairs, Istanbul Greek Orthodox Patriarch Bartholomeos and the Chief rabbi of Turkey’s Jewish community. The signatories include the president of Turkey’s directorate of religious affairs, Istanbul Greek Orthodox patriarch Bartholomeos and the chief rabbi of Turkey’s Jewish community.
Updated
at 1.36pm BST
12.40pm BST12.40pm BST
12:4012:40
Lunchtime summaryLunchtime summary
Jamie GriersonJamie Grierson
Here’s a summary of events in Turkey overnight and into Saturday. Here’s a summary of events in Turkey overnight and into Saturday:
Updated
at 1.39pm BST
12.28pm BST12.28pm BST
12:2812:28
Here’s a round-up of global reaction to the failed coup in Turkey:Here’s a round-up of global reaction to the failed coup in Turkey:
BritainBritain
British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said he had spoken to his Turkish counterpart, Mevlut Cavusoglu, to underline support for Turkey’s “democratic elected government and institutions” in the wake of the overnight coup attempt. The foreign secretary, Boris Johnson, said he had spoken to his Turkish counterpart, Mevlut Cavusoglu, to underline support for Turkey’s “democratic elected government and institutions” in the wake of the overnight coup attempt.
The Foreign Office is advising Britons in Turkey to stay indoors, avoid public places, especially demonstrations, and remain vigilant. The Foreign Office is advising Britons in Turkey to stay indoors, avoid public places – especially demonstrations – and remain vigilant.
It says “the situation now appears quieter in Istanbul, and the bridges across the Bosphorus are reopening. But there are reports of tank fire and small arms fire in Ankara.” It says: “The situation now appears quieter in Istanbul, and the bridges across the Bosphorus are reopening. But there are reports of tank fire and small arms fire in Ankara.”
British Airways says it is canceling all flights to and from Turkey Saturday, but budget airline easyJet says it plans to runs its scheduled flights, largely to Turkish resort towns. The airline says the schedule “will be kept under continuous review.” British Airways says it is canceling all flights to and from Turkey on Saturday, but easyJet says it plans to runs its scheduled flights, largely to Turkish resort towns. The budget airline says the schedule “will be kept under continuous review”.
NatoNato
NATO’s chief says all alliance personnel and military units in Turkey are “safe and secure” following the attempted coup. Nato’s chief says all alliance personnel and military units in Turkey are “safe and secure” following the attempted coup.
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said in a Twitter post that he had spoken to NATO’s supreme commander, U.S. Army Gen. Curtis M. Scapparrotti, who “confirms that all NATO personnel and units in Turkey are safe and secure.” Nato secretary general, Jens Stoltenberg, said in a Twitter post that he had spoken to Nato’s supreme commander, US Army Gen Curtis M Scapparrotti, who “confirms that all Nato personnel and units in Turkey are safe and secure”.
The alliance chief also tweeted that he welcomed “the strong support shown by the people and all political parties to democracy and to the democratically elected gov of Turkey.” The alliance chief also tweeted that he welcomed “the strong support shown by the people and all political parties to democracy and to the democratically elected government of Turkey”.
SpainSpain
Spain’s acting Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Garcia Margallo condemned the attempted coup, telling Spanish national television that his government completely supports the Turkish government headed by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Spain’s acting foreign minister, Jose Manuel Garcia Margallo, condemned the attempted coup, telling Spanish national television that his government completely supports the Turkish government headed by President Erdogan.
He says “without a doubt we support respecting the constitution and democratically elected institutions, and we condemn all coups without reservation.” He said: “Without a doubt we support respecting the constitution and democratically elected institutions, and we condemn all coups without reservation.”
Garcia Margallo spoke by telephone from Mongolia, where he is attending the ASEM Asia-Europe Meeting.Garcia Margallo spoke by telephone from Mongolia, where he is attending the ASEM Asia-Europe Meeting.
Syrian oppositionSyrian opposition
The exiled Syrian opposition congratulated the Turkish people for halting the attempted military coup.The exiled Syrian opposition congratulated the Turkish people for halting the attempted military coup.
The Turkey-based Syrian National Coalition said Turkey has protected its democratic institutions “in the face of dark and desperate attempts that sought to take control of the popular will.” The Turkey-based Syrian National Coalition said Turkey has protected its democratic institutions “in the face of dark and desperate attempts that sought to take control of the popular will”.
It says the Turkish people value democracy and “will not let a group of putschists take it away in a desperate attempt to restore military rule.” It says the Turkish people value democracy and “will not let a group of putschists take it away in a desperate attempt to restore military rule”.
Turkey has been one of the main backers of the uprising against Syrian President Bashar Assad, and is hosting some 2.7 million Syrian refugees. Turkey has been one of the main backers of the uprising against the Syrian president, Bashar al-Assad, and is hosting 2.7 million Syrian refugees.
In the early hours of the attempted coup, celebratory gunfire broke out across Damascus. The government and its supporters view the rebels as terrorists and consider Turkey to be one of their chief sponsors.In the early hours of the attempted coup, celebratory gunfire broke out across Damascus. The government and its supporters view the rebels as terrorists and consider Turkey to be one of their chief sponsors.
HamasHamas
The Islamic militant group Hamas has congratulated Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for quashing a “vicious” plot to overthrow him. The Islamic militant group Hamas has congratulated Erdogan for quashing a “vicious” plot to overthrow him.
The Turkish leader has been a staunch supporter of Hamas and a fierce critic of Israel. Hamas says it remembers Turkey’s “wise leadership in supporting the Palestinian people and their cause” and working to lift the blockade on Gaza, the coastal territory ruled by the group.The Turkish leader has been a staunch supporter of Hamas and a fierce critic of Israel. Hamas says it remembers Turkey’s “wise leadership in supporting the Palestinian people and their cause” and working to lift the blockade on Gaza, the coastal territory ruled by the group.
Hamas supporters took to the streets in several places across the Gaza Strip to celebrate the failure of the coup, raising Turkish flags and posters bearing Erdogan’s image.Hamas supporters took to the streets in several places across the Gaza Strip to celebrate the failure of the coup, raising Turkish flags and posters bearing Erdogan’s image.
Turkey recently restored ties with Israel after a six-year lull following a deadly Israeli naval raid to stop an activist flotilla aiming to breach the Gaza blockade.Turkey recently restored ties with Israel after a six-year lull following a deadly Israeli naval raid to stop an activist flotilla aiming to breach the Gaza blockade.
QatarQatar
The Gulf nation of Qatar, which has close ties to Erdogan’s government, was quick to condemn the military coup attempt.The Gulf nation of Qatar, which has close ties to Erdogan’s government, was quick to condemn the military coup attempt.
It called the attempted coup a “violation of the constitutional legitimacy” in Turkey and said it supports all legal measures the government takes to maintain security and stability.It called the attempted coup a “violation of the constitutional legitimacy” in Turkey and said it supports all legal measures the government takes to maintain security and stability.
The official Qatar News Agency said the ruling emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, has spoken with Erdogan by phone to express Qatar’s support.The official Qatar News Agency said the ruling emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, has spoken with Erdogan by phone to express Qatar’s support.
Qatar and Turkey have grown increasingly close in recent years, and share similar stances on their support for Syrian rebel groups and the Muslim Brotherhood. The two countries agreed last year to establish a Turkish military base in Qatar.Qatar and Turkey have grown increasingly close in recent years, and share similar stances on their support for Syrian rebel groups and the Muslim Brotherhood. The two countries agreed last year to establish a Turkish military base in Qatar.
IranIran
Iran said the attempted military coup in Turkey was “doomed to fail.” Iran said the attempted military coup in Turkey was “doomed to fail”.
Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif was quoted by the official IRNA news agency as praising the “brave defense by the people of Turkey of their democracy and elected government.” The foreign minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif, was quoted by the official IRNA news agency as praising the “brave defence by the people of Turkey of their democracy and elected government”.
He said the events in neighboring Turkey prove “that coup d’etat has no place and is doomed to fail in our region.” He said the events in neighbouring Turkey prove “that coup d’état has no place and is doomed to fail in our region”.
PakistanPakistan
An aide to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif condemned the attempted coup in a statement and said Pakistan “hopes that peace and normalcy will be restored in Turkey.” An aide to prime minister Nawaz Sharif condemned the attempted coup in a statement and said Pakistan “hopes that peace and normalcy will be restored in Turkey”.
Tariq Fatimi also said he had contacted Turkey’s foreign minister to express solidarity with Turkey’s government and democratic institutions.Tariq Fatimi also said he had contacted Turkey’s foreign minister to express solidarity with Turkey’s government and democratic institutions.
Pakistan’s main political parties have also praised the people of Turkey for foiling the coup.Pakistan’s main political parties have also praised the people of Turkey for foiling the coup.
Sharif was himself overthrown in a 1999 coup led by Gen. Pervez Musharraf, who ruled Pakistan until 2008.Sharif was himself overthrown in a 1999 coup led by Gen. Pervez Musharraf, who ruled Pakistan until 2008.
AfghanistanAfghanistan
Afghan President Ashraf Ghani expressed support for Turkey’s elected government, saying in a statement that “democratic elections are the most effective means for peaceful transfer of power.” President Ashraf Ghani expressed support for Turkey’s elected government, saying in a statement that “democratic elections are the most effective means for peaceful transfer of power”.
“Militaristic options will only undermine democratic institutions, stability and development in the country,” the statement from Ghani’s office said.“Militaristic options will only undermine democratic institutions, stability and development in the country,” the statement from Ghani’s office said.
AzerbaijanAzerbaijan
The president of Turkey’s neighbor Azerbaijan condemned the attempted coup.The president of Turkey’s neighbor Azerbaijan condemned the attempted coup.
President Ilham Aliev was concerned about developments in Turkey and “welcomed measures taken to prevent the attempt at a coup and to stabilize the situation,” spokesman Ali Hasanov said. President Ilham Aliev was concerned about developments in Turkey and “welcomed measures taken to prevent the attempt at a coup and to stabilise the situation,” spokesman Ali Hasanov said.
Azerbaijan is a Turkic nation and its late president Geidar Aliev once described their relations as “one nation, two states” -- a phrase later echoed by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Azerbaijan is a Turkic nation and its late president Geidar Aliev once described their relations as “one nation, two states” – a phrase later echoed by TErdogan.
Updated
at 1.49pm BST
11.56am BST11.56am BST
11:5611:56
Helena SmithHelena Smith
In Greece, our correspondent Helena Smith is being told that the eight Turkish military personnel who sought asylum in the northern Greek town of Alexandoupolis have removed all insignia from their uniforms, making it impossible to know their ranks. She reports:In Greece, our correspondent Helena Smith is being told that the eight Turkish military personnel who sought asylum in the northern Greek town of Alexandoupolis have removed all insignia from their uniforms, making it impossible to know their ranks. She reports:
“We are in the process of sending interpreters in order to be debriefed,” one insider said. “We are also in touch with the Turkish embassy. It is vital that we know what is going on.”“We are in the process of sending interpreters in order to be debriefed,” one insider said. “We are also in touch with the Turkish embassy. It is vital that we know what is going on.”
Another said it was highly unlikely that the eight men would be granted asylum.Another said it was highly unlikely that the eight men would be granted asylum.
Turkey and Greece, though Nato partners, are long-time adversaries, with Athens closely watching events in Ankara.Turkey and Greece, though Nato partners, are long-time adversaries, with Athens closely watching events in Ankara.
As such, a defence expert said, this was the first time a Turkish military asset had landed in Greece with a view to seeking asylum in the country.As such, a defence expert said, this was the first time a Turkish military asset had landed in Greece with a view to seeking asylum in the country.
The land borders between the neighbours have been reinforced but customs officials are clarifying that while the crossing between Greece and Turkey remains open (even if cross-border traffic has been reduced to a trickle), that between Turkey and Greece remains firmly closed.The land borders between the neighbours have been reinforced but customs officials are clarifying that while the crossing between Greece and Turkey remains open (even if cross-border traffic has been reduced to a trickle), that between Turkey and Greece remains firmly closed.
UpdatedUpdated
at 12.05pm BSTat 12.05pm BST
11.53am BST11.53am BST
11:5311:53
The Turkish president, Tayyip Erdogan, has sent a mass text message to Turkish mobile phones imploring Turks to “stand up” for democracy and peace.The Turkish president, Tayyip Erdogan, has sent a mass text message to Turkish mobile phones imploring Turks to “stand up” for democracy and peace.
The message, which came from “RT ERDOGAN” and was signed with his full name, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, also called on people to take to the streets against a “narrow cadre”.The message, which came from “RT ERDOGAN” and was signed with his full name, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, also called on people to take to the streets against a “narrow cadre”.
UpdatedUpdated
at 12.06pm BSTat 12.06pm BST
11.51am BST11.51am BST
11:5111:51
Around 50,000 British tourists in Turkey - travel agentsAround 50,000 British tourists in Turkey - travel agents
The Association of British Travel Agents (Abta) says there are currently 50,000 people on holiday with its members.The Association of British Travel Agents (Abta) says there are currently 50,000 people on holiday with its members.
A statement from the organisation said:A statement from the organisation said:
Following reports of an attempted military coup in Turkey, the situation remains fluid. Abta recommends that members of the public read and follow the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) advice and any advice or instructions issued by their travel provider or airline.Following reports of an attempted military coup in Turkey, the situation remains fluid. Abta recommends that members of the public read and follow the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) advice and any advice or instructions issued by their travel provider or airline.
There has been no change to FCO advice regarding travel to Turkey and holiday programmes to the resort areas continue to operate.There has been no change to FCO advice regarding travel to Turkey and holiday programmes to the resort areas continue to operate.
The vast majority of British travellers to Turkey will fly directly to the beach resorts on Turkey’s south coast which are hundred of miles away from Istanbul and the capital, Ankara.The vast majority of British travellers to Turkey will fly directly to the beach resorts on Turkey’s south coast which are hundred of miles away from Istanbul and the capital, Ankara.
Abta estimates there are currently 50,000 people on holiday with its members in Turkey. There is no indication that guests in the coastal resorts are affected.Abta estimates there are currently 50,000 people on holiday with its members in Turkey. There is no indication that guests in the coastal resorts are affected.
UpdatedUpdated
at 12.10pm BSTat 12.10pm BST
11.28am BST11.28am BST
11:2811:28
Anti-government group takes over frigate, according to Greek militaryAnti-government group takes over frigate, according to Greek military
Reuters is reporting that an anti-government group has taken over a frigate and taken the head of the Turkish fleet hostage at Turkey’s Golcuk naval base.Reuters is reporting that an anti-government group has taken over a frigate and taken the head of the Turkish fleet hostage at Turkey’s Golcuk naval base.
UpdatedUpdated
at 12.11pm BSTat 12.11pm BST
11.25am BST11.25am BST
11:2511:25
The Turkish foreign minister, Mevlut Cavusoglu, has demanded the return of eight military personnel who have landed in Greece seeking political asylum after the failed coup.The Turkish foreign minister, Mevlut Cavusoglu, has demanded the return of eight military personnel who have landed in Greece seeking political asylum after the failed coup.
Helikopterle Yunanistan'a kaçan 8 hain askerin derhal teslim edilmesini istedikHelikopterle Yunanistan'a kaçan 8 hain askerin derhal teslim edilmesini istedik
11.23am BST11.23am BST
11:2311:23
British Airways cancels all flights to and from TurkeyBritish Airways cancels all flights to and from Turkey
British Airways has put out this statement:British Airways has put out this statement:
In the light of events in Turkey we have cancelled all flights to and from Turkey on Saturday 16 July 2016, and BA675 departing from Istanbul on Sunday 17 July.In the light of events in Turkey we have cancelled all flights to and from Turkey on Saturday 16 July 2016, and BA675 departing from Istanbul on Sunday 17 July.
We are keeping flights to Turkey under review.We are keeping flights to Turkey under review.
The safety and security of our customers and crew are always our top priority and we would never operate a flight unless it was safe to do so.The safety and security of our customers and crew are always our top priority and we would never operate a flight unless it was safe to do so.
11.21am BST11.21am BST
11:2111:21
Turkish maritime authorities have shut Istanbul’s Bosphorus Strait to transiting tankers “for security and safety” reasons, Reuters reports.Turkish maritime authorities have shut Istanbul’s Bosphorus Strait to transiting tankers “for security and safety” reasons, Reuters reports.
The shipping agent GAC said some cargo carriers, such as bulkers, were still being allowed to travel through the Bosphorus which divides Istanbul into European and Asian sides.The shipping agent GAC said some cargo carriers, such as bulkers, were still being allowed to travel through the Bosphorus which divides Istanbul into European and Asian sides.
The Bosphorus is one of world’s most important choke-points for the maritime transit of oil, with more than 3% of global supply – mainly from Russia and the Caspian Sea – passing through the 17-mile waterway that connects the Black Sea to the Mediterranean. It also ships vast amounts of grains from Russia and Kazakhstan to world markets.The Bosphorus is one of world’s most important choke-points for the maritime transit of oil, with more than 3% of global supply – mainly from Russia and the Caspian Sea – passing through the 17-mile waterway that connects the Black Sea to the Mediterranean. It also ships vast amounts of grains from Russia and Kazakhstan to world markets.
UpdatedUpdated
at 12.13pm BSTat 12.13pm BST
11.09am BST11.09am BST
11:0911:09
Turkish military personnel land in Greece seeking asylumTurkish military personnel land in Greece seeking asylum
Greece has arrested eight men from a Turkish military helicopter which landed in the northern city of Alexandroupolis at midday on Saturday, the country’s police ministry said.Greece has arrested eight men from a Turkish military helicopter which landed in the northern city of Alexandroupolis at midday on Saturday, the country’s police ministry said.
The men have requested political asylum, it added.The men have requested political asylum, it added.
Greek state television ERT said the men may have been involved in Turkey’s military uprising on Friday.Greek state television ERT said the men may have been involved in Turkey’s military uprising on Friday.
UpdatedUpdated
at 12.14pm BSTat 12.14pm BST
11.08am BST11.08am BST
11:0811:08
A Turkish official has circulated a picture of what is said to be the PM's trashed office in parliament pic.twitter.com/AO6QM3vWwuA Turkish official has circulated a picture of what is said to be the PM's trashed office in parliament pic.twitter.com/AO6QM3vWwu
11.04am BST11.04am BST
11:0411:04
Georgia has shut its border with Turkey after the coup attempt, Associated Press reports.Georgia has shut its border with Turkey after the coup attempt, Associated Press reports.
The prime minister, Giorgi Kvirikashvili, said Georgia’s security council on Saturday discussed “threats that might arise” from the situation and that land and air borders had been closed.The prime minister, Giorgi Kvirikashvili, said Georgia’s security council on Saturday discussed “threats that might arise” from the situation and that land and air borders had been closed.
The former Soviet republic shares a 150-mile (250km) border with Turkey.The former Soviet republic shares a 150-mile (250km) border with Turkey.
UpdatedUpdated
at 12.15pm BSTat 12.15pm BST
10.52am BST10.52am BST
10:5210:52
The British Labour MP and shadow foreign secretary, Emily Thornberry, said:The British Labour MP and shadow foreign secretary, Emily Thornberry, said:
We welcome the fact that democratic rule is prevailing in Turkey, and applaud the Turkish people – including many opposed to the current government – who bravely united to stand up for democracy.We welcome the fact that democratic rule is prevailing in Turkey, and applaud the Turkish people – including many opposed to the current government – who bravely united to stand up for democracy.
We mourn all those who have been killed and injured in the last 24 hours, and we urge everyone in Turkey, on all sides, to end the bloodshed and ensure there is no recrimination.We mourn all those who have been killed and injured in the last 24 hours, and we urge everyone in Turkey, on all sides, to end the bloodshed and ensure there is no recrimination.
We urge the Turkish government now to recognise the need to unify the country and show greater respect for human rights, free speech and justice. These events cannot be used as justification for yet further repression and division.We urge the Turkish government now to recognise the need to unify the country and show greater respect for human rights, free speech and justice. These events cannot be used as justification for yet further repression and division.
UpdatedUpdated
at 12.16pm BSTat 12.16pm BST
10.49am BST10.49am BST
10:4910:49
Federica Mogherini, the vice-president of the European commission, convened an urgent meeting of EU member states’ foreign ministers and representatives, who are currently at a summit in Mongolia, to assess the situation in Turkey.Federica Mogherini, the vice-president of the European commission, convened an urgent meeting of EU member states’ foreign ministers and representatives, who are currently at a summit in Mongolia, to assess the situation in Turkey.
According to a statement, they expressed support for the democratic institutions of Turkey and condemned the use of violence against them.According to a statement, they expressed support for the democratic institutions of Turkey and condemned the use of violence against them.
It said: “They agreed that any escalation of violence involving civilians has to be avoided.It said: “They agreed that any escalation of violence involving civilians has to be avoided.
“The ministers will meet again in Brussels for the Foreign Affairs Council, and will discuss again the situation in Turkey at that occasion.”“The ministers will meet again in Brussels for the Foreign Affairs Council, and will discuss again the situation in Turkey at that occasion.”
Mogherini spoke to the Turkish foreign minister, Mevlut Cavusoglu, and has been in contact with other foreign ministers and the Nato secretary general, Jens Stoltenberg.Mogherini spoke to the Turkish foreign minister, Mevlut Cavusoglu, and has been in contact with other foreign ministers and the Nato secretary general, Jens Stoltenberg.
UpdatedUpdated
at 12.24pm BSTat 12.24pm BST