NATO reiterates condemnation of defeated coup in Turkey

By Nilay Kar Onum

ISTANBUL (AA) - NATO has reiterated its support for Turkish people as the nation marked first anniversary of the defeated coup attempt Saturday.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said: "I reiterate my strong message that any attempt to undermine democracy in any of our allied countries is unacceptable.”

Mentioning about his visit to Ankara in the aftermath of the coup attempt he said: “I still remember the shock I felt seeing the damage inflicted at the parliament building by the bombardments of the coup plotters.”

Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO) and its U.S.-based leader Fetullah Gulen orchestrated the defeated coup of July 15, 2016, which left 250 people martyred and nearly 2,200 injured.

Ankara also accuses FETO of being behind a long-running campaign to overthrow the state through the infiltration of Turkish institutions, particularly the military, police, and judiciary.

NATO Secretary General said: “On this important occasion, I once again pay homage to the memories of those who lost their lives during the critical hours of the coup attempt…"

Stoltenberg also paid tribute to Turkish people, who stood up against this heinous act in defense of its elected government and democratic institutions.