Turkey blasts iftar invitation for FETÖ in Kyrgyzstan

ANKARA

Criticizing the invitation of leading members of FETÖ to a fast-breaking dinner, or iftar, in Kyrgyzstan, Turkey dismissed it as an “unacceptable” move.

In a written statement, Foreign Ministry spokesman Hami Aksoy said: “It is unacceptable that leading FETÖ members in Kyrgyzstan were invited to an iftar dinner organized by the Office of the Grand Mufti of Kyrgyzstan on the 8th of May.”

“In fact, our Ambassador to Bishkek became aware of the situation and reacted rightfully,” he said.

Aksoy stressed that combatting the FETÖ presence abroad is among the “main priorities” of Turkey.

“We have persistently explained the threat posed by this terrorist organization to our counterparts in countries where FETÖ is present, on many occasions.

“We expect not only the official authorities of friendly countries but also their national institutions to adopt a sensitive approach vis-à-vis this matter,” the spokesman said.

34 FETÖ-linked suspects detained

Meanwhile, Turkish security forces on May 14 detained 34 people over alleged links with FETÖ.

The detentions came within the scope of an investigation into the illegal group’s infiltration in the land forces.

The suspects had communicated with covert imams of FETÖ using a payphone, the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor said in a statement.

They include on-duty senior officers and a lieutenant.

Three of the suspects are reportedly helicopter pilots, while the others are technical personnel responsible for the maintenance of helicopters.

According to the Turkish government, FETÖ orchestrated the failed coup attempt of July 15, 2016, which left 251 people killed and nearly 2,200 injured.

Ankara also accuses FETÖ of being behind a long-running campaign to overthrow the state through the infiltration of Turkish institutions, particularly the military, police, and judiciary.