(By Emir Salim Yüksel, Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Malaysia)
KUALA LUMPUR, July 16 (NNN-Bernama) — Seven years ago, the Turkish people defended their democracy by taking to the streets against the heinous coup attempt by FETO.
FETO, the Fetullahist Terrorist Organisation, orchestrated the most brutal and deadliest terrorist attack in Türkiye’s history on July 15, 2016. State institutions, especially our Parliament and the Presidency were assaulted by heavy weaponry including tanks, military aircraft and helicopters. We had 251 martyrs of democracy.
Imagine loosing 251 people on one night due to terrorist attacks. Imagine your sacred institutions like the parliament building being attacked.
The Turkish people took to the squares without any weapons but with flags on their hands and patriotism in their hearts to defend their country. Thanks to their bravery, the coup attempt was a complete failure for the terrorist organisation. Turkish people defended their democracy, democratically elected government and the rule of law in their country.
All political parties in the Turkish parliament were united in their condemnation for the failed coup by issuing a joint declaration. Democracy prevailed. Those who took part in the coup attempt have been prosecuted and tried in accordance with law.
The coup attempt revealed the true colours of FETO.
We now clearly see that for more than 30 years the ringleader of this terrorist cult, Fethullah Gulen has encouraged his followers to infiltrate into the military and judiciary in Türkiye. Following a sinister and heinous agenda, Gulen has formed a broad network of schools, NGOs and businesses. This network tried to overthrow the democratically elected government in Türkiye.
He failed. His terrorism failed.
Türkiye, came out of the coup attempt stronger, declared July 15 “Democracy and National Unity Day”. Every year since 2016, we commemorate our martyrs of democracy, share our gratitude with those wounded in the night of the coup and celebrate our national unity.
In our resolute fight against terror, we have always felt the strong support of Malaysia, one of the earliest countries to condemn the heinous coup attempt.
On the basis of our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, we work to deepen bilateral cooperation in every field. Cooperation in combatting terrorism, especially FETO style terror, is naturally on the agenda.
It is our duty to draw the world’s attention to FETO. It is not a simple domestic threat to Türkiye. It is a terror organisation whose secretive organisational structure is disguised as so-called educational institutions, charity or “harmless” foundations. In addition to its terror methods, it is well-known that FETO is engaged in illegal activities such as visa fraud, money laundering and arms trafficking.
Terrorism has no boundaries. FETO is a threat to the countries where it operates. FETO is responsible for the loss of hundreds of lives as well as other grave crimes in my country. As a comprehensive and strategic partner to Malaysia, we continue to deepen our cooperation against terrorism in all forms and manifestations.
— NNN-BERNAMA
