France Warns Erdogan About Purge Following Coup Attempt

The French Foreign Minister has warned Erdogan about the crackdown on opponents following the recent failed coup, adding that Turkey's 'credibility' in cooperating in the fight against ISIS is now 'in question.' In a conversation with France 3 television on Sunday, Jean-Marc Ayrault emphasized that 'we want the rule of law to be properly implemented in Turkey,' cautioning the Turkish government about the purge following the coup attempt. He stressed that the Turkish president should not use this event as a 'blank check' to suppress dissent. These remarks come as Turkish officials continue their actions against the failed coup, detaining over six thousand people on charges of participating in or supporting the coup, including hundreds of military personnel, several senior commanders, and a significant number of prosecutors and judges. Erdogan and the Turkish government have pointed the finger at Fethullah Gülen, a religious leader residing in the U.S., claiming that a group of his supporters behind the coup are more dangerous than the PKK. However, Gülen has denied these accusations, stating that his message to the Turkish people is to never view military intervention positively, as democracy cannot be achieved this way. He also suggested that the recent coup attempt might have been staged. Regarding Turkey's cooperation in the fight against ISIS, the French Foreign Minister's comments shifted focus to this issue, stating that the events of the past two days have raised questions about Turkey's credibility in combating the Islamic State. He mentioned that he would pursue this topic at the upcoming anti-ISIS coalition meeting in Washington next week. Turkish officials announced on Saturday that they had closed the Incirlik Air Base, which coalition forces led by the U.S. use for airstrikes against ISIS, asserting that the base would not reopen until the air force is fully purged. Reuters reports that the closure of the Incirlik Air Base will force the U.S.-led coalition to use fighter jets stationed in the Gulf for attacks against extremists in Raqqa and Manbij in Syria, which could impact current air power supporting Iraqi government forces in battles against the 'Islamic State.' This may also negatively affect the delivery of aid and equipment for U.S. special forces operating inside Syria. Turkey also announced on Sunday the arrest of Bekir Arıcan Van, the commander of the Incirlik Air Base, for negligence in performing his duties.