Top US officer reiterates support for Turkish democracy

By Kurbani Geyik

ANKARA

The United States’ top military officer Monday reaffirmed Washington’s support for Turkish democracy in a meeting with Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim, according to the Prime Ministry.

According to a statement posted on the ministry's website, the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Joe Dunford strongly condemned the recent coup attempt which martyred more than 230 people and injured nearly 2,200 others.

Dunford reiterated that the U.S. was in full support of the democratic system in Turkey, and would continue to cooperate with Turkey in all areas, including the military, said the statement.

During the meeting, Yildirim underlined the significance of the “open and determined” stance the U.S. adopted against the coup bid, which he said was “the biggest threat ever against Turkish democracy and the Turkish people.”

Yildirim also reiterated Ankara’s expectation that Washington extradite Fetullah Gulen, the U.S.-based preacher who masterminded the July 15 coup attempt.

Earlier, Dunford visited the parliament building with his Turkish counterpart Gen. Hulusi Akar and was shown the bombed parts of the building. He also met with Parliament Speaker Ismail Kahraman.

Turkey's government has repeatedly said the deadly coup attempt was organized by Gulen’s followers.

Gulen is also accused of running a long-running campaign to overthrow the state through the infiltration of Turkish institutions, particularly the military, police, and judiciary, forming what is commonly known as the parallel state.

*Hale Turkes contributed to this story.