OIC lists Gülen network as ‘terror group’

ANKARA - Anadolu Agency

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on Oct. 19 listed the movement of U.S.-based Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen, believed to be behind Turkey’s July 15 coup attempt, as a terrorist organization, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu has said.

“We thank the Organization of Islamic Cooperation for showing solidarity by understanding our sensitivities and declaring [the Fethullah Terror Organization] FETÖ as a terror group,” Çavuşoğlu posted on his Twitter account, describing the OIC’s move as a “milestone.”    
   
The OIC’s Parliamentary Union, meeting in the Uzbekistan capital Tashkent on Oct. 18, denounced all forms of terrorism in a joint declaration.        

The body issued a declaration following the meeting expressing its solidarity with Turkey in fighting terror.        
Last week, foreign ministers of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states also designated FETÖ a terrorist group and stressed its support for Ankara’s crackdown on the network.      
  
Founded in 1969, the OIC, with a current membership of 57 states, is the second-largest inter-governmental organization after the U.N. and describes itself as “the collective voice of the Muslim world.” Turkey has been a member since 1969 and holds the presidency of the organization, taking over the duty this year.