Azernews.Az

Friday March 29 2024

Turkey thanks President Aliyev, Azerbaijani people for support

14 July 2017 17:14 (UTC+04:00)
Turkey thanks President Aliyev, Azerbaijani people for support

By Laman Ismayilova

As a year passes since the attempted military coup of July 2016, Turkey’s political elite is marking this monumental turning point in their political history.

The deadly coup attempt, which claimed the lives of more than 240 people and injured over 2,000, is regarded as a test democracy for the nation in Turkey. Weakening and destabilizing Turkey were the main aims of the military coup attempt, Ankara stated after defeating the coup attempt.

Speaking about the day, Mahir Unal, deputy chairman and spokesman of the ruling Justice and Development Party of Turkey (AKP) said that Azerbaijan has repeatedly proved its fraternity with Turkey.

“On the day of the military coup attempt in Turkey, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev clearly expressed his position and supported the people and the government of Turkey,” he told Trend.

“We are grateful to President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and the Azerbaijani people for their support,” Unal said.

The deadly coup attempt in July 2016 was the bloodiest coup attempt in Turkey’s political history. On July 15 2016, a section of the Turkish military launched a coordinated operation in several major cities to topple the government and unseat the president.

Soldiers and tanks took to the streets and a number of explosions rang out in Ankara and Istanbul. Fighter jets dropped bombs on the parliament, while the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Hulusi Akar, was kidnapped.

As news of the coup attempt spread via social media and TV, thousands of ordinary citizens gathered in streets and squares around Ankara and Istanbul to oppose the coup.

The crowds resisted tank fire and air bombardments and, with the help of loyalist soldiers and police forces, they together with the government defeated the coup attempt in early hours of July 16.

Turkey's government has repeatedly said the deadly plot, which martyred more than 240 people and injured more than 2,000 others, was organized by followers of U.S.-based preacher Fetullah Gulen.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz

Loading...
Latest See more