Gulen has condemned “in the strongest terms the attempted military coup” and “categorically” denied any involvement. “Government should be won through a process of free and fair elections, not force,” he said in a statement.
Speaking in parliament, Yildirim also said that he hopes Turkey’s political parties will be able to set aside their past enmity and have a “new start” together.
American secretary of state John Kerry said earlier on Saturday that the US has not received any extradition request and would hear a petition. But he made clear that the US would require evidence of Gulen’s wrongdoing.
“I’m sure people will wonder about allegations of who may have instigated this and where support came from,” he said. “The United States will obviously be supportive of any legitimate investigative efforts and under due process and within the law, we will be completely supportive of efforts to assist the government if they so request.”
Kerry added that he hopes: “that there will be a constitutional process, and a legal process, that will deal appropriately with coup-plotters.”
In Ankara my colleague Kareem Shaheen is with the scores of people celebrating in the aftermath of the failed coup – he reports that police and the loyal military factions are preparing for more trouble later today, despite the joyous atmosphere.
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