Turkish PM: Coup bid was Turkey's 2nd independence war

ANKARA – Anadolu Agency

The July 15 coup attempt was Turkey's second War of Independence, Prime Minister Binali Yıldırım said Aug. 7 during his speech at a Democracy and Martyrs' Rally in Istanbul.

The prime minister compared the coup bid, which led to 240 deaths, to the 1919-23 conflict that gave birth to modern Turkey.      

“They attempted to occupy our land disguised in Turkish military  uniform and steal away the national will,” he said, referring to the coup supporters.

 “Thank God and thanks to our martyrs lying honorably under the ground, today we are living on this land united as one, and with our honor, independence and solidarity intact.    
 
 “Every coup which does not kill us, makes us stronger. Just like here and now.”      

The prime minister also praised the opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) and Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) for their support for the national will and democracy.

Yıldırım vowed to clear the country of the Fethullah Terrorist Organization (FETÖ), which is held responsible for the coup attempt, and bring its leader Fethullah Gülen, who lives a self-claimed exile in the U.S., to justice.      

“The terrorist leader will come to Turkey and account for his  [actions],” he told millions of people crowded into Yenikapi Square. “We will not act in revenge. We will abide by the law.”      

The prime minister also vowed to maintain and boost the atmosphere of reconciliation between the government and opposition. “We will do our best to maintain this historic unity,” he said.