The Turkish envoy to Doha marks the sixth anniversary of the failed coup attempt in Turkey, thanking Qatar’s amir for his quick response.
Failed coup attempt on 15 July 2016, is one the most important incident in modern Turkish history. As other important events, 15 July is also a turning point for our democracy.
On that day, Turkish nation, without any discrimination and with the participation from all political parties, showed restraint against tyranny and vulgarity. All parts of the society became one entity and saved the democracy in Türkiye. People resisted with exemplary courage for their freedom, for their future and for their homeland.
This year, we are commemorating the sixth anniversary of the failed coup attempt perpetrated by the Fetullahist Terrorist Organization (FETO) and at the same time, we are celebrating the Democracy and the National Unity Day.
Fetullah Gülen, a sinister cult leader, who still lives in the US in a self-imposed exile and his insidious terrorist organisation FETO (Fetullahist Terrorist Organization), tried to overthrow the legitimate government in Türkiye and assassinate its democratically elected leaders.
Six years ago, no one expected to see tanks on the streets, no one expected to hear a military statement on national TVs and definitely no one expected to see, to think in fact, jets could bomb the Turkish Parliament, the place where the will of nation reveals.
However, the coup plotters, who were members of the FETO, realised their treason and attempted to overthrow the democratically elected government and tried to occupy the entire state. FETO tried to take power by using heavy arms and jets.
They bombed the parliament, Presidential Complex and Special Police Headquarters. But they did not consider one important thing. They did not consider the courage and enthusiasm for freedom of Turkish people.
All those attempts had been failed thanks to the people’s resistance against FETO. We lost 251 heroes on that night, 2196 of our citizens were wounded, but their sacrifices showed everyone once again that Turkish nation will never lose its heroic nature.
Despite all the attempts to divide Türkiye, on that night, all political parties represented in the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye, both in government and in opposition, published a joint declaration and condemned the heinous coup attempt.
Türkiye is still fighting against terrorism on multiple fronts, DAESH, PKK and FETO, in accordance with our national legislation, in line with the principles of the rule of law, and in observance of our international obligations.
Combating terrorism is a global act, it needs international collaboration and support. We are determined to fight terrorism in all areas, regardless of its form and manifestation and we expect the same from our allies and friends.
In this regard, I would like to convey our appreciation for Qatar’s prompt reaction and strong support in the fight against FETO. H.H. Amir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, is the first leader in the world, who called our President H.E. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and showed genuine support.
Likewise, all Qatari officials and institutions strongly contributed to our fight against terrorism. Having the support we need in right time, we fortified our bonds with our brothers and sisters and we developed fraternal and eternal relations in good days, and the most important, in dark days.
In sum, as our President reiterated once: “Our nation made history on July 15. Yet that story was not just about thwarting a coup attempt. That night, our nation resurrected its will – which was there in Manzikert (Malazgirt) in 1071, in Istanbul in 1453, and in Gallipoli (Gelibolu) in 1915 – for the sake of their homeland, flag, future and independence.”
Six years later, we commemorate our martyrs with respect and always remember their sacrifices for our country. Thanks to the determination of the people, Turkish nation and democracy will always prevail.
Mehmet Mustafa Göksu is the ambassador of Turkey to Qatar.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Doha News, its editorial board or staff.
