By Omar Bah
The Turkish Embassy in Banjul will today join Turkish all over the world to commemorate the 2nd anniversary of the July 15th, 2016 coup attempt.
The failed coup left more than 200 civilians dead as they battled military renegade factions for control of other state buildings.
Ambassador Ismail Sefa Yuceer said the painful memories of the fateful night are still fresh in the minds of the Turkish people.
“Merciless plotters used lethal military hardware against innocent civilians, who took to the streets to defend their democratic institutions, claiming the lives of 251 innocent Turkish citizens and wounding more than 2,500 people,” Ambassador Yuceer told journalists at a press briefing yesterday.
He said it was the people of Turkey from all backgrounds and political views who resisted and displayed a historic example of solidarity as they stood selflessly in front of the tanks and reclaimed their democratic rights.
As a matter of fact, he added, July 15 was a trial of strength and perseverance for the Turkish democracy and the state.
“It makes us proud to have passed this test. All the political parties, both in the government and in opposition, the uninfected elements of the Armed Forces, the Police Force and the media stood up against the putschists,” he said.
He said Fetullah Gülen desire to take control of the Turkish State and to reinstitute the regime according to his perverted religious ethos was no secret in Turkey.
Ambassador Yuceer accuses FETO (Fetullah Gülen Terrorist Organization) as a new generation terrorist organization that is based on hypocrisy, concealment and secrecy.
“These so-called Gülenists constitute a typical case of radicalization by a cult of personality. They believe that Gülen is the ‘Messiah’ and that they are the ‘golden generation’,” he added.
FETÖ, he added, is not a benign civic education movement as some circles try hard to portray, “We are faced with a global enterprise, with global aspirations of power and dominance. FETO is present in more than 150 countries around the world, through schools, NGOs, lobbyists, media outlets and companies.”
He said the Turkish government in parallel with its fight with FETO as well as all sorts of terrorism at home is committed to further strengthen the bases of democracy in Turkey, “Because we know that this is the only way to counter terrorism in all forms and manifestations.”
“Now, two years after the ominous night, our determination to defend Turkish democracy, the values of human rights and rule of law remains intact. Our government and the Turkish people would continue to keep a firm and dedicated stance with regard to our journey of democracy,” he added.
