MOSCOW (Sputnik) — Christine Muttonen, who is the president of the Organization for Security and Co-operation's Parliamentary Assembly (OSCE PA) condemned attempts to overthrow democratic government called for calm.
"I have been following the situation in Turkey with great concern. I call for calm and restraint, and condemn in the strongest terms any attempts by parts of the military to overthrow the democratically elected government of Turkey by means of force. It is of utmost importance to return to rule of law and respect for Turkey's constitutional order as soon as possible," Muttonen said, as quoted in the OSCE statement.
Chairperson-in-Office and German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier expressed their concern after the attempted coup.
OSCE Secretary General Lamberto Zannier also called on Turkish government to safeguard the OSCE common values and principles.
"I call on the Turkish Government and democratic institutions to exercise restraint in the aftermath of last night’s events. Rule of law, democracy, respect for human rights and freedom of the media must be upheld even in difficult times. We stand ready to support Turkey in safeguarding the common values and principles that constitute the cornerstone of the OSCE," Zannier said.
Late on Friday, Turkish authorities said that an attempted coup is taking place in the country. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan urged Turkish citizens to take to streets, stating that the coup attempt was carried out by a small group within the military. The coup attempt was reportedly suppressed by early Saturday, with Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim stating that all coup supporters have been detained and the country is returning to normal life. Over 180 were killed and 1470 were injured during the events, while nearly 3,000 people have been detained, according to the prime minister.
