Iran expresses concern over Turkey developments

EghtesadOnline: Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said early Saturday morning that he feels concern over latest developments in Turkey.

News ID: ۷۶۸۱۵۰

16 July 2016

According to IRNA, Zarif said that he is 'Deeply concerned about the crisis in Turkey.'

'Stability, democracy and safety of Turkish people are paramount. Unity and prudence are imperative,' he added.

According to dispatches, Turkey's military announed on Friday it seized power, but President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said in a televised message to the Turkish people that the attempted coup would be put down.

The Turkish prime minister added that the government remains in charge; military jets and helicopters seen flying low over Ankara and tanks reported in the streets; two major bridges in Istanbul are closed to traffic.

'We will overcome this,' Erdogan said, speaking by mobile phone to the Turkish sister station of CNN. He called on his followers to take to the streets to defend his government and said the coup plotters would pay a heavy price.

Meanwhil, Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said the elected government remained in office. However, it appeared that those behind the coup had the upper hand initially.

Reports coming from Turkey said that airports were shut, access to Internet social media sites was cut off, and troops sealed off the two bridges over the Bosphorus in Istanbul.

Earlier, gunshots were heard in the Turkish capital, a Reuters witness said, as military jets and helicopters were seen flying overhead.

Soldiers took control of TRT state television, which announced a countrywide curfew and martial law. An announcer read a statement on the orders of the military that accused the government of eroding the democratic and secular rule of law. The country would be run by a 'peace council' that would ensure the safety of the population, the statement said.

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, speaking jointly after talks in Moscow, both said they hoped bloodshed would be avoided. The U.S. State Department said Americans in Turkey should shelter indoors. Other countries issued similar advice.