Khama concerned about Turkey
Baboki Kayawe | Friday July 22, 2016 13:24
Yaeli was briefing the press on the recent developments in Turkey where some members of the Turkish Armed Forces attempted to stage a coup in Ankara and Istanbul particularly.
The diplomat told local press at his residence yesterday that though his government was extremely frustrated by certain “distorted comments and spinning by certain foreign politicians”, he was pleased with the support Botswana has granted.
“While we hope to believe that these comments do not reflect the positions of the government of our partners, obviously they are not helpful in our efforts,” said Yaeli. “None of the comments came from Botswana, but as a principle I would not want to name any foreign politicians or country.
“We are in fact very pleased by President Ian Khama’s gesture as he sent a message of support to his counterpart yesterday,” he explained, when asked whether any of these comments originated from Botswana.
Yaeli commended his host country as not only an African example of democracy but also one that has commonalities with Turkey, as both nations highly place value on the ballot for transitioning power. Moreover, the ambassador does not see the status quo in Turkey having any negative bearing on foreign relations as the situation had been swiftly contained.
“It was understood in a short time that this was a terrorist campaign,” he said.
“We have solid proof that this coup attempt was staged by the Fethullah Gulen Terrorist Organisation,” he said.
According to him the group wants to overthrow a democratically elected regime as “our government has been constantly exposing the real motives of this terrorist group and its leader, Fethullaj Gullen, to all allies and partners”.
He called the foiled coup the latest criminal act revealing the danger posed by FETO, adding that the ‘terrorists’ will be punished according to the law. “We call on all our partners and allies to take all possible measures to prevent the activities of this group on their soil,” said Yaeli.
He said more than 7,500 people have been detained.
Two hundred and eight citizens have been killed, with more than 1,400 wounded. Sixty of those who died are police officers, 145 civilians and three military personnel.