EU ‘stands in solidarity with Turkey,’ marks first year of failed coup

BRUSSELS

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The European Union gave messages of solidarity and cooperation with Turkey on July 14 in remarks marking the first anniversary of last year’s failed coup attempt in the country.

In a joint statement issued by EU Vice-President Federica Mogherini and Enlargement Commissioner Johannes Hahn, the bloc reiterated its condemnation of the attempted takeover, pledging full support to the democratically elected institutions.

“On 15 July, 2016, the people of Turkey witnessed a coup attempt that claimed the lives of hundreds of innocent civilians and left more than 2,000 people injured. One year later, the EU reiterates its condemnation of the attempted coup, as it did during the very first hours of that dramatic night of July 15, 2016, and recalls its full support to the democratically elected institutions of the country. The EU stands in solidarity with Turkey and all the Turkish people,” the statement read.

“Respect for human rights, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law are essential principles of the European Union. They embody both the foundations of our relationship and the aspirations of the people of Turkey and the European Union. As a key partner and a candidate country and as a member of the Council of Europe, Turkey has subscribed to these principles. Turkey has the right to bring the individual perpetrators of this coup attempt to justice in strict compliance with the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary,” it added.

The bloc also expressed its willingness to cooperate with “a stable, economically vibrant and democratic Turkey.”

“The EU stands ready and willing to continue to work with a stable, economically vibrant and democratic Turkey. To this end, and in the framework of the EU’s engagement with Turkey, a High Level Political Dialogue will be held in Brussels on July 25 at which representatives of the EU and of Turkey will discuss areas of shared interest and common challenges,” it said.