Kaljurand expressed support for Turkish people, democratically elected institutions and discussed the situation in Turkey after the attempted coup

As the Chair of the Council of Europe Foreign Minister Marina Kaljurand met in Ankara with Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu and Minister of Justice Bekir Bozdağ. During the meeting they discussed what Turkey has already done and what Turkey can still do together with the Council of Europe to guarantee the protection of human rights, rule of law and democracy under the current state of emergency declared after the attempted coup for three months.

Turkish leaders gave Foreign Minister Kaljurand an overview of what has taken place in the country after the attempted coup. Turkey’s representatives reaffirmed their commitment to democratic values and the European Convention on Human Rights.

Foreign Minister Kaljurand said that the Council of Europe very clearly condemned the attempted coup in Turkey by expressing support for democratically elected constitutional institutions, showing solidarity towards Turkish people and offering condolences to the families of the victims. ”Attempted coup came as a shock to both Turkish people and Turkey’s friends. We condemned the attack against democratically elected constitutional institutions in the Council of Europe’s member state,” Foreign Minister said. “Members of the Council of Europe have to stand up for human rights, democracy and rule of law. It is important that the Turkish officials continue to do everything to follow these principles under the current state of emergency,” Foreign Minister said.

Foreign Minister Kaljurand assured that the Council of Europe is prepared to support Turkey in every way and to offer legal expertise. ”We have to do everything to maintain and strengthen the stability, security and prosperity of Turkey and Europe,” Foreign Minister Kaljurand said. As a Chair of the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers, Estonia will do everything to facilitate cooperation between the Council of Europe and Turkey.

Kaljurand said it is important to find the organisers of the attempted coup, bring them to account and ensure that justice delivered independently and impartially. “It is important that Turkey respects the fundamental rights enshrined in the European Convention on Human Rights, especially the right to a fair trial,“ Kaljurand said and emphasized also the need for transparent and impartial investigation.

Kaljurand also stressed the need to respect and defend freedom of speech, civic society, guarantee press freedom and the independence of judiciary during the state of emergency.

In Kaljurand’s words, the Council of Europe will carefully follow the developments in Turkey. Foreign Ministers of the Council of Europe will meet in Strasbourg 7 September to continue discussions about the situation in Turkey together with the Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu and the Estonian Foreign Minister chairing the meeting.

Kaljurand will also meet with Speaker of the Turkish Parliament İsmail Kahraman and Prime Minister Binali Yıldırım. Tomorrow she will meet with representatives of the opposition.

Photos: https://www.flickr.com/photos/estonian-foreign-ministry/sets/72157671687201430

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