U.S. Secretary of State Calls for Respect for Democracy and Law in Turkey

John Kerry has urged Turkey to maintain the most important criterion, which is respect for democratic processes and the rule of law in the country. He also emphasized that NATO is closely monitoring the events following the failed coup in Turkey. The U.S. Secretary of State stated on Monday, July 18, during a press conference in Brussels, alongside the EU's chief foreign policy official, that "clearly a large number have been detained in a short period of time." He mentioned that Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, Turkey's Foreign Minister, has assured that the government will respect law and democracy in the country. Kerry added, "It is clear that in the coming days there will be a very high level of vigilance and caution. I hope our cooperation will prevent regression." These remarks come as thousands of senior members, high-ranking officers, and soldiers of the army, judges, and a number of officials and police forces have been detained in the past three days following the failed coup in Turkey. The Turkish President also mentioned in an interview, quoting the "people" of the country, the "demand for the execution" of the coup perpetrators. This has drawn a reaction from Federica Mogherini, the EU's chief foreign policy official, who stated during the July 18 press conference that the return of the death penalty in Turkey would mean a halt to the potential accession process of that country to the European Union. Another point that has been analyzed in various ways in recent hours is Kerry's mention of NATO's oversight of Turkey, which is itself a significant member of this alliance. AFP reports that the events following the failed coup in Turkey have increased tensions in relations between Ankara and Washington, at a time when these relations are already strained due to disagreements over the Syrian war and human rights issues. The Washington Post also notes that Western powers have shown solidarity with the Turkish government against the coup, while being concerned that the Turkish government might use this situation as a pretext for undemocratic behavior. However, John Kirby, the U.S. State Department spokesman, explained that "it is too early to conclude that Turkey's membership [in NATO] is at risk." Kirby stated, "It is expected that the [Turkish] government will respect the democratic principles enshrined in the constitution." The spokesman emphasized that international organizations like the EU and NATO will certainly look at the events, stating that "membership brings democratic responsibilities." However, the recent disagreements between Ankara and Washington are not solely due to internal events in Turkey; another issue is the presence of Fethullah Gülen in the United States. Turkish government officials have recently intensified their efforts to extradite this key figure opposing Erdoğan. The Turkish President also stated that a request regarding this matter will be submitted to Washington in the coming days. The Turkish newspaper Hurriyet reported that senior diplomatic officials from Turkey and the United States are expected to meet in Washington this week to discuss Gülen, who is in voluntary exile. The Turkish government claims that Gülen is the mastermind behind the failed coup. This preacher and religious leader has firmly denied these accusations. Washington had previously stated that if Turkey has substantiated and precise evidence, it should present it so that the U.S. can make decisions based on that.