Obama supports Turkish gov’t against plotters, Kremlin gravely concerned

ANKARA

AFP photo

U.S. President Barack Obama and Secretary of State John Kerry agreed that all parties in Turkey should support the democratically-elected government of Turkey while Kremlin expressed its grave concerns over the recent developments.

“The President spoke tonight by phone with Secretary of State John Kerry to discuss the events in Turkey. The President and Secretary agreed that all parties in Turkey should support the democratically-elected Government of Turkey, show restraint, and avoid any violence or bloodshed,” read the readout issued by the White House early July 16.

In a phone call to Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, Kerry emphasized “absolute support for Turkey’s civilian government and democratic institutions”. The Secretary underscored that the State Department will continue to focus on the safety and security of U.S. citizens in Turkey.

The Kremlin said it was gravely concerned about events in Turkey, and that it had instructed officials to help Russian nationals in Turkey return home at the earliest opportunity.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on a conference call that President Vladimir Putin was being kept constantly updated on the situation in Turkey, where the government has said a military coup attempt is underway.

Peskov said events were moving too fast to fully understand what was happening, but he said Russia was concerned and wanted to see Turkey return to the path of stability and order, and for there to be a lawful outcome.

He said that, whoever was now in charge in Turkey, it was incumbent on them to ensure the safety of Russian nationals.

NATO’s Jens Stoltenberg said in a written statement “I have just spoken to the Turkish foreign minister Mevlut Cavusoglu. I am following events in Turkey closely and with concern. I call for calm and restraint, and full respect for Turkey's democratic institutions and its constitution. Turkey is a valued NATO Ally.”