DUSHANBE, July 22, 2016, Asia-Plus — Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan did not rule out re-coup attempts in the country, adding that now the government will be better ready for it,
Reuters
reports.
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan vowed on Thursday to restructure the military and give it “fresh blood” as emergency rule took hold across the NATO member country after last week”s attempted coup.
Erdogan”s comments to
Reuters
in an interview – his first since announcing a state of emergency late on Wednesday – came as Turkey sought to assure its citizens and the outside world that the government was not turning its back on democracy and returning to the harsh repression of past regimes.
Erdogan accuses Fethullah Gulen, a charismatic U.S.-based cleric, of masterminding the plot against him, which crumbled early on Saturday. In a crackdown on his suspected followers, more than 60,000 soldiers, police, judges, civil servants and teachers have been suspended, detained or placed under investigation.
Western countries are worried about instability and human rights in Turkey.
Erdogan said the government”s Supreme Military Council, which is chaired by the prime minister, and includes the defense minister and the chief of staff, would oversee the restructuring of the armed forces.
Speaking at his palace in Ankara, which was targeted during the coup attempt, he said a new putsch was possible but would not be easy because authorities were now more vigilant.
Erdogan also said there was no obstacle to extending the state of emergency beyond the initial three months – a comment likely to spark concern among critics already fearful about the pace of his crackdown. Emergency powers allow the government to take swift measures against supporters of the coup, in which more than 246 people were killed and over 2,000 wounded.
Emergency rule will also permit the president and cabinet to bypass parliament in enacting new laws and to limit or suspend rights and freedoms as they deem necessary.
Meanwhile, a joint declaration of the Turkish Grand National Assembly, which was released on July 16, strongly condemns the coup attempt.
“Our nation’s stance against the coup and its success in averting the bloody coup attempt sets an example for the whole world. This noble nation, which has protected the Republic of Turkey and its institutions at the risk of their lives, deserves to be praised and lauded. Our nation is grateful to and will always remember the heroes martyred for this cause.
“Turkish Grand National Assembly (TGNA), as the representative of this noble and heroic nation, has executed its duty under the shadow of bombs and bullets, thus proving the nation its worth once again.
“One should never forget that the TGNA commanded the War of Independence, enhanced the democratic parliamentarian system over the years, ensured Turkey’s transition to democracy and carried a nation from poverty to the level of contemporary civilization.
“The Turkish parliament adopted a brave and dignified stance against the coup attempt as one heart. It has given the necessary response to coup plotters and conveyed the necessary message to the world.
“TGNA’s determined stance against the coup attempt is very valuable for democracy to become more established and advanced.
“Let us make it clear that any attempt against our nation, national will or TGNA will be met with the iron will of the Turkish Grand National Assembly resisting them, just as it did today. TGNA will continue to reflect the firm belief of our nation in democracy.
“It is precious and historic that all party groups in the Parliament have adopted a common attitude and rhetoric against the coup attempt. This common attitude and rhetoric will add to the strength of our nation and national will.
“The perpetrators of this attack against the National Assembly, the nation and national sovereignty will pay a heavy price.
“This joint declaration constitutes the most concrete proof that nothing will be the way it used to be in Turkey.
“Despite our political differences, we are beside the national will, we embrace it and we will embrace it forever with all our lawmakers and institutions.
“Our nation should rest assured.
“The National Assembly and its lawmakers have not and will not let the trust of this nation down.
“We once again strongly condemn this attack against our democracy, our nation, and the parliament representing national will. We request our people to avoid engaging in acts of violence beyond the limits of democratic reaction that would not befit our country.
“We commemorate with respect, gratitude and mercy our martyrs that fell while resisting the coup and wish for a speedy recovery to the wounded.
“We would also like to extend our greetings to all friendly and brotherly countries that stood by Turkey and our noble nation with their messages of support.”
