US delegation arrives in Turkish capital to discuss Gülen's extradition
ANKARA
REUTERS photo
A delegation from the U.S. Justice and State Department arrived in Ankara on Aug. 22 to discuss Turkey's extradition demand for Fethullah Gülen, the self-exiled Islamic preacher accused by Ankara of masterminding the failed military coup attempt.The delegation of three U.S. Justice Ministry officials and a U.S. Department of State official will hold meetings with Turkish officials on Aug. 23 and Aug. 24.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and the government have demanded the United States extradite Gülen, who lives in Pennsylvania, over the July 15 coup attempt in which more than 240 people, including civilians, were killed.
Turkish Justice Ministry officials have concluded their preparations for the delegation’s visit, in which they say they will share with their U.S. counterparts the extradition demand documents and evidence showing Gülen’s direct involvement in the coup attempt.
Turkish officials have repeatedly suggested that the refusal to repatriate Gülen for trial would seriously strain ties between the two NATO allies.