OTS: COMMEMORATING THE DEMOCRACY AND NATIONAL UNITY DAY

Even though Covid-19 changed our focuses, certain experiences need to be remembered during these pandemic days as well, so that their meanings and moral significance are better understood. The commitment to democracy that the Turkish people courageously demonstrated on the night of 15 July 2016 is certainly one of them.

Indeed, on that night, Turkey experienced a coup attempt that failed due to people’s resistance. The Fetullah Gülen Terrorist Organization (FETO), which aimed to violently overthrow Turkey's democratic, secular and social constitutional order, faced a unified response from the citizens, the government, opposition parties and civil society groups.

This was a historical moment emphasizing democracy and people’s power. It will certainly be studied in the future as a very special case in world political history. Commemorating the “Democracy and National Unity Day” on the 15th of July goes beyond remembering and honoring the sacrifices of the Turkish people. It is also learning from the past.

Since the trauma experienced by the Turkish nation was immense. The aborted coup claimed 251 innocent lives. Thousands were injured. Among other institutions, the Turkish Parliament, the cradle of democracy, was bombed.

The group behind this coup attempt is a new generation terrorist organization. Its leader Fetullah Gülen, a retired preacher, organized the group under the cover of a religious structure. The most important instruments of the group were the educational institutions and charities under its control. Its members have penetrated many institutions in the country, including the military and judiciary, as well as the business circles, media and civil society.

In the last five years, the fight against FETO has constituted one of the main priorities of our country. Turkey has been able to successfully conduct its fight at home. However, the organization, which lost its backbone in Turkey, is trying to survive by making use of its structure abroad. We should not forget that, at the peak of its power, let alone companies and charities, FETO controlled hundreds of schools worldwide. This terrorist organization still continues to operate in some countries.

We expect from those countries not to provide a field of action for FETO and its members. International cooperation in this fight against FETO is vital for the security of our countries, and for our common values. Resolute fight against terrorism requires solidarity and cooperation.

I would like to take this opportunity to once again thank Slovakia for having stood with the democratically elected government in the aftermath of the coup attempt.

Yunus DEMRER

Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey in Bratislava

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