UPDATE - Turkey: Political parties urge FETO leader extradition

UPDATES WITH NAMES OF PARTIES

By Kubilay Celik

ANKARA (AA) - Political parties in Turkey issued a joint statement Friday demanding the extradition of Fetullah Terrorist Organization's (FETO) leader from the U.S.

"[Fetullah Gulen] continues to disseminate heretical views using the tactics of terrorist organizations such as Daesh and Al Qaeda," said the statement.

The joint statement was signed by ruling Justice and Development party (AK), opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), IYI (Good) Party and National Movement Party (MHP).

His activities are damaging ties with the U.S. which are based on mutual trust, the statement said.

FETO and Gulen, who is based in the U.S., is accused of orchestrating a defeated coup 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. *

*Writing by Dilara Hamit