Obama and Erdogan Discuss Gulen's Extradition in Phone Call

Reports indicate that Barack Obama, the President of the United States, and Recep Tayyip Erdogan discussed the status of Fethullah Gulen, a Turkish cleric living in the U.S., during a phone call. According to the Associated Press, this comes as the Turkish government submitted the necessary documents for Gulen's formal extradition to the U.S. on Tuesday. The Turkish government has accused Fethullah Gulen, who currently resides in Pennsylvania, of orchestrating the failed coup attempt on Friday night, a claim Gulen denies. Josh Earnest, the White House spokesperson, stated on Tuesday that Obama emphasized in the phone call that the U.S. does not support terrorism and does not back individuals who conspire to overthrow democratically elected governments. However, the White House spokesperson noted that the decision regarding Gulen's extradition is not up to Obama but must be based on the treaty between the U.S. and Turkey. According to France Press, Obama also condemned the violent coup attempt in Turkey during the phone call, stating that investigations and prosecutions of the coup plotters must be conducted in a way that enhances public trust in democratic institutions and the rule of law. At least 232 people have been killed in the failed coup attempt. Meanwhile, Binali Yildirim, the Prime Minister of Turkey, stated that the documents requesting Gulen's extradition have been sent to the United States. He said in parliament on Tuesday that Ankara has sent four files to the U.S. and requested Gulen's extradition. Following the failed coup attempt, Erdogan's government has begun purging the military and state institutions, with reports indicating that the number of those dismissed from public and security institutions in Turkey has reached 50,000. Turkish state media reported on Tuesday that the Ministry of National Education has dismissed 15,000 teachers and revoked the licenses of 21,000 teachers in private schools due to alleged ties to Gulen's group. Several international organizations have expressed concern over the purging process in Turkey.