Turkey asks US to extradite Gulen

Islamabad : Turkish ambassador Mustafa Yurdakul has criticised the US government for not extraditing exiled cleric Fethullah Gulen, who is accused of orchestrating the July 15, 2016, foiled coup in the country.

“Despite our repeated demands, the United States has not handed over wanted terrorist Gulen to us [Turkey] and continues to protect him, so it’s time the US acts to show if it’s with democracy or terrorists,” the envoy told reporters at the Turkish embassy here.

The ambassador said terrorists tried to use religion to do away with a democratic dispensation in Turkey but the nation forged unity and foiled the attempt.

“Democracy is flourishing in Turkey,” he said.

Mustafa Yurdakul thanked Pakistan for siding with Turkey against the 2016 assault on democracy and subsequent actions against the ‘Gulenist Terror Organisation’ (FETO).

“We are grateful to the Pakistani leadership and nation for showing solidarity with us during the attempted coup, declaring the FETO a terrorist outfit and handing over Gulen’s schools in the country to Turkish authorities,” he said.

The envoy said the Turkish embassy would hold a function on its premises today (July 14) to mark the July 15, 2016, defeated coup, while he would plant a sapling in the F-9 Fatima Jinnah Park.

Asked about the growing tensions in Afghanistan, he said Turkey wanted Afghanistan to be a stable and prosperous country for the development of the residents, so it was making efforts for the purpose.

He said Turkey had no secret agenda for Afghanistan.

Mustafa Yurdakul said the Kabul International Airport’s security used to be with Turkey under the NATO framework and after the recent withdrawal of the US troops from the country, it intended to provide logistical support and security for the airport just to ensure that it continues to be operational.

“Talks are underway but nothing can be said about the airport security with certainty,” he said. The ambassador appreciated Pakistan’s efforts for Afghan peace.