International News

ANKARA, July 16 (APP/AFP) – World leaders urged “respect for
democratic institutions” in key NATO member and European neighbour Turkey
as parts of the military launched a coup attempt late Friday against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan that saw violence erupt in Istanbul.
The United States, Russia, NATO and the European Union appealed for
stability, with US President Barack Obama calling on all parties in Turkey to back the “democratically-elected” government.
Detailing a call between Obama and Secretary of State John Kerry,
the White House said both agreed that “all parties in Turkey should support the democratically-elected government of Turkey, show restraint, and avoid any violence or bloodshed.”
UN chief Ban Ki-moon meanwhile lashed out against the attempted coup,
as he called for civilian rule to be maintained.
“Military interference in the affairs of any state is unacceptable,”
Ban said in a statement.
EU chiefs Donald Tusk and Jean-Claude Juncker backed Erdogan’s
government and urged a “swift return” to normal.
“Turkey is a key partner for the European Union. The EU fully
supports the democratically elected government, the institutions of the country and the rule of law,” they said in a joint statement with EU
foreign policy head Federica Mogherini.
“We call for a swift return to Turkey’s constitutional order.”