Turkish PM makes surprise visit to former president

ISTANBUL

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Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yıldırım has paid a surprise and unscheduled visit to former President Abdullah Gül in the Maslak area of Istanbul. 

Yıldırım and Gül held a meeting in the latter’s office for an hour on Oct. 10. The visit was a “courtesy visit,” according to Anadolu Agency. 

Education Minister İsmet Yılmaz accompanied Yıldırım on the visit. 

Gül recently said the state of emergency declared in Turkey after the failed July 15 coup, believed to have been masterminded by followers of U.S.-based Islamic preacher Fethullah Gülen, “should be lifted.” 

“An end to states of emergency is desired. Efforts should be made in that direction,” he said.
Gül also said he never thought a coup attempt would be conducted because he knew the chain of command.

“We could’ve never guessed that a group of crazy, stupid, treacherous putschists, who infiltrated into significant positions, would engage in such foolishness by hiding themselves. The firm stance of the Turkish people, commanders, the president and the government prevented the coup,” he said.

Gül was among the founders of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) along with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.