US continues to support Turkey’s efforts to bring those responsible for coup attempt to justice: Ambassador

ADANA

U.S. Ambassador to Turkey John Bass said on July 13 that Washington continued to lend support to Ankara’s efforts to bring those who are responsible for the last year’s failed coup attempt to justice.

Speaking at a ceremony in the southern province of Adana celebrating the 241st anniversary of the U.S.’s independence, Bass said last year’s events in the country proved that the only response to terrorism and violence was justice and the rule of law, extending his condolences to the victims of the violent acts in the country.

“Our societies, Turkey, the United States, and those of many of our friends here this evening, have suffered pain and loss at the hands of terrorists. Turkey’s citizens, almost one year ago, defended democracy against the illegal coup attempt – at great cost. We again extend our deep condolences to everyone in this society who has suffered loss this year as a result of violence,” Bass said. 

“The past year’s events have shown us again that the only answer to terrorism and violence is justice and the rule of law. And we continue to support the Turkish government’s efforts to bring those responsible for the terrible events on July 15 to justice,” he said.

The ambassador stressed that the U.S. would continue to support Turkey in seeking justice and creating opportunities for all of its citizens.

“In seeking justice, in creating opportunities for all of our citizens, the United States will continue to support our friends and allies here in Turkey. And we look forward to working with all of you in the months and years ahead,” Bass said.

Some 249 people were killed and 2,193 were wounded on the night of the failed coup attempt on July 15, 2016, widely believed to have been masterminded by the Fethullahist Terrorist Organization (FETO) of U.S.-based Islamic preacher Fethullah Gülen.

Separately, the country also suffered from terror attacks in 2016, some claimed by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) jihadist group while some claimed by the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK).