Turkish presidential aide warns Balkans against FETO

By Dzihat Aliju

SKOPJE (AA) – Turkey’s presidential spokesperson warned Balkan countries Friday against the threat of the Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO).

Speaking to reporters after a Turkish language education event in the Macedonian capital of Skopje, Ibrahim Kalin said all friends and allies of Turkey should be careful against FETO and take measures before it is too late.

"We call upon all countries who are our friends and allies, especially in the Balkans, to work closely with Turkey against FETO," Kalin stressed.

Kalin said FETO hides behind innocent terms like education, service and dialogue, but it can be involved in any type of betrayal and murder.

Therefore, he warned Balkan countries to take a firm stance against FETO for their own national interests.

FETO and its U.S.-based leader Fetullah Gulen orchestrated the defeated coup of July 15, 2016 in Turkey which left 251 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.