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Turkish ambassador recounts Jordan’s ‘solidarity’ during coup attempt

By Laila Azzeh - Jul 16,2017 - Last updated at Jul 16,2017

Turkey’s Ambassador to Jordan Murat Karagöz holds a press conference in Amman on Thursday (Photo by Osama Aqarbeh)

AMMAN – On the first anniversary of the failed coup attempt in Turkey, Ankara’s Ambassador in Amman Murat Karagöz recounted Jordan’s “firm” stance alongside his country. 

At a press conference on Thursday held to shed light on the details of the quashed coup and the latest national developments, the diplomat noted that Turkey “would never forget Jordan’s position, including from its people, its leadership and its government, in solidarity with Turkey”.

“Some countries took a while to voice their solidarity and some were reluctant to show support, but not Jordan, which was prompt and clear in declaring solidarity with Turkey,” Karagöz said.

On July 15 last year, a group of Turkish soldiers attempted to overthrow the government of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, using jets, tanks and other weapons, in raids on a number of locations.

“It was the bloodiest night in Turkey’s modern history. We lost around 250 martyrs and more than 2,000 civilians were injured… the Turkish people are still trying to overcome the trauma witnessed that day,” the ambassador told reporters.

He underlined that the coup was defeated thanks to the “unified stance and awareness” of the Turkish people.

In the aftermath of the failed coup, Turkish authorities blamed the plot on Fethullah Gulen, a Turkish citizen now living in the US, who owns foundations, schools, companies and media outlets. 

According to the diplomat, Turkey has declared a state of emergency that has been in place since the incident.  

“There are currently 78 cases in connection with the failed coup at the hands of the judiciary. Investigations are still under way and, so far, there are around 100,000 persons behind bars who are proven to have been involved,” Karagöz said.

He noted that Turkey has officially requested the US to extradite Gulen. 

Meanwhile, the ambassador said that the Jordanian and Turkish sides are cooperating to combat terrorism, especially since both countries are “going through the same challenges in relation to terrorism, the Syrian crisis and the situation in Iraq”.

He highlighted the “continuous coordination” between His Majesty King Abdullah and the Turkish president, as well as the recent visit of Prime Minister Hani Mulki to Turkey. 

Economically, Karagöz noted that the Jordanian-Turkish higher committee will meet soon to discuss means to boost bilateral economic cooperation, adding that flights between the two countries are “noticeably” increasing. 

He added that the panel will also discuss the possibility of operating flights from Aqaba to Turkey in a bid to improve tourism cooperation, saying that his country also supports listing the city of Salt, 35km northwest of Amman, as a UNESCO World Heritage site. 

 

“I perceive myself as an ambassador for Turkey and Jordan alike, and will exert all efforts for the prosperity of this country,” the diplomat concluded. 

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