[h=2]'We have taken control': Turkish military launch coup to depose Islamist government of Recep Erdogan as troops round up police, attack the capital, seize all airports and put tanks on the streets[/h]
Traffic has been stopped from crossing both the Bosphorus and Fatih Sultan Mehmet bridges in Istanbul, as gunshots were fired from military helicopters circling the capital Ankara. Gunfire was also heard outside Istanbul police headquarters, while tanks are stationed outside Istanbul airport. Unconfirmed reports have claimed Turkey's top general has been taken hostage at the military HQ. In a statement read out on NTV television, the military group said: 'The power in the country has been seized in its entirety.'
[h=1]'We have taken control': Turkish military launch coup to depose Islamist government of Recep Erdogan as troops round up police, attack the capital, seize all airports and put tanks on the streets[/h]
By DARREN BOYLE FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 21:18, 15 July 2016 | UPDATED: 22:26, 15 July 2016
- Turkish troops have launched a military coup according to the government with helicopters firing on capital Ankara
- Turkish PM Binali Yildirim told reporters: 'We will not allow this attempt' although the military said they are in control
- Explosions and gunfire have been reported in several locations with fast attack jets patrolling over the skies
- The Turkish military claimed they have taken power in order to protect the civil rights of the population
By DARREN BOYLE FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 21:18, 15 July 2016 | UPDATED: 22:26, 15 July 2016
The Turkish military has announced it has taken control and overthrown the government of Recep Erdogan as troops round up police and attack the capital Ankara.
Eyewitnesses have reported attack helicopters firing machine guns in the capital Ankara in a bid to depose the Islamic government.
The military said they have taken control in order to protect human rights, however, prime minister Binali Yildirim said only a 'faction' was involved.
Fast attack jets and helicopters were heard above Ankara and Istanbul after the military confirmed they had seized control of the country,.
Istanbul's Bosphorus Bridge and Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge were both closed after the military deployed roadblocks.
Tracer fire from Turkish military helicopters was spotted over Ankara with fast attack jets flying combat air patrols over the city.
President Erdogan is reported 'as safe'. A spokesman for the Turkish government claimed the coup has been unsuccessful and they are still in power.
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Troops have established checkpoints across strategic locations in cities around Turkey and have imposed martial law
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Eyewitnesses have posted photographs of a large explosion in the capital Ankara amid the Turkish military takeover
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Witnesses photographed a Turkish F-16 flying a combat air patrol over Ankara amid claims the military has seized control of the country
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Tanks and armoured personnel carriers have seized the main airport in Ankara as well as strategic bridges in Istanbul
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The Turkish military has launched an attempted coup to overthrow the government according to reports
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The Turkish military has detained unarmed civilians, pictured, minutes after the coup was launched
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Troops across the country have taken positions in strategic locations according to witnesses
Eyewitnesses have reported attack helicopters firing machine guns in the capital Ankara in a bid to depose the Islamic government.
The military said they have taken control in order to protect human rights, however, prime minister Binali Yildirim said only a 'faction' was involved.
Fast attack jets and helicopters were heard above Ankara and Istanbul after the military confirmed they had seized control of the country,.
Istanbul's Bosphorus Bridge and Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge were both closed after the military deployed roadblocks.
Tracer fire from Turkish military helicopters was spotted over Ankara with fast attack jets flying combat air patrols over the city.
President Erdogan is reported 'as safe'. A spokesman for the Turkish government claimed the coup has been unsuccessful and they are still in power.
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Troops have established checkpoints across strategic locations in cities around Turkey and have imposed martial law
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Eyewitnesses have posted photographs of a large explosion in the capital Ankara amid the Turkish military takeover
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Witnesses photographed a Turkish F-16 flying a combat air patrol over Ankara amid claims the military has seized control of the country
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Tanks and armoured personnel carriers have seized the main airport in Ankara as well as strategic bridges in Istanbul
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The Turkish military has launched an attempted coup to overthrow the government according to reports
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The Turkish military has detained unarmed civilians, pictured, minutes after the coup was launched
- SHARE PICTURE
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Troops across the country have taken positions in strategic locations according to witnesses
In a statement sent by email and reported on Turkish TV channels, the military said all of Turkey's existing foreign relations would be maintained and that the rule of law would remain the priority.
According to the military tonight's action will 'reinstall the constitutional order, democracy, human rights and freedoms, to ensure that the rule of law once again reigns in the country, for the law and order to be reinstated'.
The military statement went on to say that 'all international agreements and commitments will remain. We pledge that good relations with all world countries will continue'.
US Secretary of State John Kerry said he hoped the crisis in Turkey would soon be resolved while preserving peace, stability and a respect for 'continuity'.
According to the military tonight's action will 'reinstall the constitutional order, democracy, human rights and freedoms, to ensure that the rule of law once again reigns in the country, for the law and order to be reinstated'.
The military statement went on to say that 'all international agreements and commitments will remain. We pledge that good relations with all world countries will continue'.
US Secretary of State John Kerry said he hoped the crisis in Turkey would soon be resolved while preserving peace, stability and a respect for 'continuity'.
Turkey's top general has been taken hostage at the military headquarters in the capital Ankara after an attempt to bring down the government, the state-run Anadolu news agency reported.
'General Hulusi Akar has been taken hostage by a group in the military who attempted an uprising.'
Troops have rounded up police officers loyal to the government, according to witnesses.
CNN Turkey showed two military vehicles and a group of soldiers lined up at the entrance of one of the bridges in Turkey's biggest city.
A Turkish official who did not want to be named said soldiers had been deployed in other cities in Turkey, but did not specify which ones.
Dogan News Agency reported the national police directorate summoned all police to duty in Ankara.
Turkish fighter jets have been reported over Ankara.
The military said they have moved due to 'rising autocratic rule and increased terrorism'.
'General Hulusi Akar has been taken hostage by a group in the military who attempted an uprising.'
Troops have rounded up police officers loyal to the government, according to witnesses.
CNN Turkey showed two military vehicles and a group of soldiers lined up at the entrance of one of the bridges in Turkey's biggest city.
A Turkish official who did not want to be named said soldiers had been deployed in other cities in Turkey, but did not specify which ones.
Dogan News Agency reported the national police directorate summoned all police to duty in Ankara.
Turkish fighter jets have been reported over Ankara.
The military said they have moved due to 'rising autocratic rule and increased terrorism'.
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Turkey's Prime Minister Binali Yildirim, pictured, described tonight's coup as illegal and has vowed to retaliate
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Witnesses have claimed there have been reports of an explosion near a police academy in Turkey
- SHARE PICTURE
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Soldiers blocked Istanbul's Bosphorus Bridge which was lit in the French colours in solidarity with Nice
wish our military leaders would put a blockade around the White House, prevent all communications in and out until the next inauguration
then let him go live in a house without security in the community he nurtured
no fence for you, bitch
then let him go live in a house without security in the community he nurtured
no fence for you, bitch
Gunfire has been reported with fast attack jets lying combat air patrols over Ankara.
Yildirim on Friday denounced what he said was an 'illegal attempt' by elements in the military after bridges were partially shut down in Istanbul and jets flew low over Ankara.
'We are working on the possibility of an attempt. We will not allow this attempt,' he told NTV television by telephone, without expanding on the nature of the move but saying it was by a group in the Turkish military.
'Those who are in this illegal act will pay the highest price,' he added, saying it would not be correct to describe the move as a 'coup'.
Yildirim did not provide details, but said Turkey would never allow any 'initiative that would interrupt democracy'.
Earlier, military jets were heard flying over the capital, Ankara.
Media reports said ambulances were seen in front of Turkey's military headquarters.
Fast attack jets and helicopters have been reported over Ankara.
Gunshots have reportedly been heard near the presidential palace in Ankara.
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Heavily armed troops have seized strategic locations across Ankara and Istanbul although the Government claims they are still in power
The mayor of Ankara has also reportedly called people onto the streets.
Yildirim didn't provide details, but said Turkey would never allow any 'initiative that would interrupt democracy.'
'We are focusing on the possibility of an attempt (coup),' Yildirim said. 'There was an illegal act by a group within the military that was acting out of the chain of military command. Our people should know that we will not allow any activity that would harm democracy.'
Earlier, military jets were heard flying over the capital, Ankara.
The Dogan news agency says one-way traffic on the Bosporus and Fatih Sultan Mehmet bridges were blocked. Video footage showed the bridge being blocked by military vehicles.
All flights into Ankara and Istanbul have been cancelled.
The Saudi foreign minister in Washington said he is not willing to speculate as to what is currently happening.
All flights from Istanbul's Ataturk Airport have been cancelled/
Turkey's armed forces said on Friday they had taken power in the country to protect the democratic order and to maintain human rights.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov called on Turkey to avoid all 'bloodshed' amid reports of a coup.
In a joint press conference with US Secretary of State John Kerry, Lavrov said that 'problems in Turkey need to be resolved in accordance with the constitution'.
S oldiers blocked entry to Ataturk Airport where four tanks were stationed
Two other tanks and a military vehicle were stationed in front of the VIP terminal. The report said the soldiers had entered the tower and stopped all flights.
News reports said President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was safe and would make a televised statement soon.
Yildirim on Friday denounced what he said was an 'illegal attempt' by elements in the military after bridges were partially shut down in Istanbul and jets flew low over Ankara.
'We are working on the possibility of an attempt. We will not allow this attempt,' he told NTV television by telephone, without expanding on the nature of the move but saying it was by a group in the Turkish military.
'Those who are in this illegal act will pay the highest price,' he added, saying it would not be correct to describe the move as a 'coup'.
Yildirim did not provide details, but said Turkey would never allow any 'initiative that would interrupt democracy'.
Earlier, military jets were heard flying over the capital, Ankara.
Media reports said ambulances were seen in front of Turkey's military headquarters.
Fast attack jets and helicopters have been reported over Ankara.
Gunshots have reportedly been heard near the presidential palace in Ankara.
+11
Heavily armed troops have seized strategic locations across Ankara and Istanbul although the Government claims they are still in power
The mayor of Ankara has also reportedly called people onto the streets.
Yildirim didn't provide details, but said Turkey would never allow any 'initiative that would interrupt democracy.'
'We are focusing on the possibility of an attempt (coup),' Yildirim said. 'There was an illegal act by a group within the military that was acting out of the chain of military command. Our people should know that we will not allow any activity that would harm democracy.'
Earlier, military jets were heard flying over the capital, Ankara.
The Dogan news agency says one-way traffic on the Bosporus and Fatih Sultan Mehmet bridges were blocked. Video footage showed the bridge being blocked by military vehicles.
All flights into Ankara and Istanbul have been cancelled.
The Saudi foreign minister in Washington said he is not willing to speculate as to what is currently happening.
All flights from Istanbul's Ataturk Airport have been cancelled/
Turkey's armed forces said on Friday they had taken power in the country to protect the democratic order and to maintain human rights.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov called on Turkey to avoid all 'bloodshed' amid reports of a coup.
In a joint press conference with US Secretary of State John Kerry, Lavrov said that 'problems in Turkey need to be resolved in accordance with the constitution'.
S oldiers blocked entry to Ataturk Airport where four tanks were stationed
Two other tanks and a military vehicle were stationed in front of the VIP terminal. The report said the soldiers had entered the tower and stopped all flights.
News reports said President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was safe and would make a televised statement soon.
7m ago22:29
The Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has said that the coup is the work of a minority within the military.
Speaking to CNN Turk, he adds: “We will overcome this.”
10m ago22:27
My colleague Ghaith Abdul-Ahad is in Istanbul. He reports that there is chaos on the main thoroughfare Istiklal, with people running in all directions.
Restaurants and shops are closing, somtehing is happening on Taksim Square and Tarlabashi Boulevard seems to be closed.
Cars are honking their horns and driving on the wrong side of the road. A lot of people are walking from the direction of Taksim. There is a sense of agitation, with people checking their phones or listening to the radio.
[FONT="]14m ago22:25[/FONT]
[FONT="]More details from the statement read out on the state broadcaster TRT at the behest of the military faction that seems to be behind the coup: It says that the freedom of Turkish citizens is guaranteed by what is referred to as a “peace council”, regardless of religion, race or language.
It says the Peace Council will not allow public order to be damaged.
It is worth remembering at this point that the Turkish government still claims to be in charge.
An EU source monitoring events has told Reuters that military forces have control of airports and strategic points in Istanbul.
[/FONT]
The Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has said that the coup is the work of a minority within the military.
Speaking to CNN Turk, he adds: “We will overcome this.”
10m ago22:27
My colleague Ghaith Abdul-Ahad is in Istanbul. He reports that there is chaos on the main thoroughfare Istiklal, with people running in all directions.
Restaurants and shops are closing, somtehing is happening on Taksim Square and Tarlabashi Boulevard seems to be closed.
Cars are honking their horns and driving on the wrong side of the road. A lot of people are walking from the direction of Taksim. There is a sense of agitation, with people checking their phones or listening to the radio.
[FONT="]14m ago22:25[/FONT]
[FONT="]More details from the statement read out on the state broadcaster TRT at the behest of the military faction that seems to be behind the coup: It says that the freedom of Turkish citizens is guaranteed by what is referred to as a “peace council”, regardless of religion, race or language.
It says the Peace Council will not allow public order to be damaged.
It is worth remembering at this point that the Turkish government still claims to be in charge.
An EU source monitoring events has told Reuters that military forces have control of airports and strategic points in Istanbul.
[/FONT]
I hope they hang the Fucker. Maybe a dual hanging with his ideological Cousin Watson 
A coup in Turkey will present immediate issues and be very messy. Probably mess with financial markets also unless it's a quick transition and a less repressive leadership emerges. Glad this happened after Wall Street closed for the week. The Kurds, and the war against Islamic extremists will also be affected by the results of this coup's success. Turkey is a beautiful country.
A coup in Turkey will present immediate issues and be very messy. Probably mess with financial markets also unless it's a quick transition and a less repressive leadership emerges. Glad this happened after Wall Street closed for the week. The Kurds, and the war against Islamic extremists will also be affected by the results of this coup's success. Turkey is a beautiful country.
ErdoPUTZ blames US!
Noah Rothman @NoahCRothman 3m3 minutes ago Noah Rothman Retweeted Reuters Top News
And there's the rub. This becomes a political issue in the US.
Noah Rothman added,
Reuters Top News @Reuters LATEST: Turkish PM says this was act of rebellion by movement loyal to U.S.-based cleric Fethullah Gulen - http://reut.rs/29Jtt0a
Noah Rothman @NoahCRothman 3m3 minutes ago Noah Rothman Retweeted Reuters Top News
And there's the rub. This becomes a political issue in the US.
Noah Rothman added,
Reuters Top News @Reuters LATEST: Turkish PM says this was act of rebellion by movement loyal to U.S.-based cleric Fethullah Gulen - http://reut.rs/29Jtt0a
Moments ago @cnnturk taken off air over live TV as soldiers enter broadcaster #TurkeyCoup #media #journalism #cnn
[FONT="][FONT="]2m ago04:12[/FONT]
The Turkish prime minister Binali Yildirim has called an emergency meeting in parliament on Saturday, the state-run Anadolu news agency reports.
The parliament complex was bombed overnight, but parliament speaker Ismail Kahraman said no legislators were hurt. There were reports that some police officers were injured or killed but this has not been confirmed.
[/FONT]
[FONT="][FONT="]7m ago04:06[/FONT]
[h=2]Erdoğan blames coup on Gülenists[/h]
Peter Beaumont
The accusations by Turkey’s president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan that US-based cleric Fethullah Gülen is behind last night’s attempted coup is part of a familiar rhetoric and a long-running rivalry. So Is there any truth in it?
The traditional rivalry in Turkish society has been between secularists who look to the modern state’s founder Kemal Ataturk – notably the army and other state institutions – and Islamists.
So who are the Gülenists? Gülen, a cleric living in exile in Pennsylvania, leads a popular movement – Hizmet or “the service” – ostensibly campaigning for democratic accountability.
The centre of recent tension between the Gülenists and Erdoğan and his AKP is the president’s decision to blame Gülenists in the police and judiciary for initiating anti-corruption allegations in 2013 that targeted his supporters, including Erdoğan’s son Bilal.
Erdoğan responded by launching a purge of perceived Gülenists.
As the coup attempt unfolded on Friday night, a lawyer for the Turkish government, Robert Amsterdam, said “there are indications of direct involvement” of Gülenists. According to Turkish intelligence sources, Amsterdam said: “There are signs that Gülen is working closely with certain members of military leadership against the elected civilian government.”
Gülen’s group, the Alliance for Shared Values, was quick to deny it, issuing a statement saying comments alleging the group’s involvement in the coup were “highly irresponsible” and that the group did not support the military intervention:
Events on the ground are moving quickly and it would be irresponsible for us to speculate on them. We remain concerned about the safety and security of Turkish citizens and those inTurkey right now.
For more than 40 years, Fethullah Gülen and Hizmet participants have advocated for, and demonstrated their commitment to, peace and democracy.
We have consistently denounced military interventions in domestic politics. These are core values of Hizmet participants. We condemn any military intervention in domestic politics of Turkey.
[/FONT]
[FONT="][FONT="]16m ago03:57[/FONT]
[h=2]Turkey closes border to Bulgaria[/h]Bulgaria is boosting patrols along the border with Turkey, as Turkeyhas closed border crossings, Reuters reports:
[/FONT]
[FONT="][FONT="]24m ago03:50[/FONT]
[h=2]International reaction[/h]US Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton says:
I am following the fast-moving developments in Turkey tonight with great concern. We should all urge calm and respect for laws, institutions, and basic human rights and freedoms – and support for the democratically elected civilian government.
All parties should work to avoid further violence and bloodshed, and the safety of American citizens and diplomatic missions must be ensured.
Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau says:
We call for restraint by all parties. Canada supports the preservation of Turkish democracy, and condemns any attempt to subvert Turkey’s democratic institutions by force of arms.
[/FONT]
[FONT="][FONT="]29m ago03:44[/FONT]
[h=2]At least 42 killed in Ankara[/h]We have more information on those killed in Ankara overnight.
The prosecutor’s office says most of the 42 people who died were civilians.
Seventeen of the dead were police officers.
In addition, a senior Turkish official says 13 soldiers who tried to storm the presidential palace have been arrested.
[/FONT]
The Turkish prime minister Binali Yildirim has called an emergency meeting in parliament on Saturday, the state-run Anadolu news agency reports.
The parliament complex was bombed overnight, but parliament speaker Ismail Kahraman said no legislators were hurt. There were reports that some police officers were injured or killed but this has not been confirmed.
[/FONT]
[FONT="][FONT="]7m ago04:06[/FONT]
[h=2]Erdoğan blames coup on Gülenists[/h]
The accusations by Turkey’s president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan that US-based cleric Fethullah Gülen is behind last night’s attempted coup is part of a familiar rhetoric and a long-running rivalry. So Is there any truth in it?
The traditional rivalry in Turkish society has been between secularists who look to the modern state’s founder Kemal Ataturk – notably the army and other state institutions – and Islamists.
So who are the Gülenists? Gülen, a cleric living in exile in Pennsylvania, leads a popular movement – Hizmet or “the service” – ostensibly campaigning for democratic accountability.
The centre of recent tension between the Gülenists and Erdoğan and his AKP is the president’s decision to blame Gülenists in the police and judiciary for initiating anti-corruption allegations in 2013 that targeted his supporters, including Erdoğan’s son Bilal.
Erdoğan responded by launching a purge of perceived Gülenists.
As the coup attempt unfolded on Friday night, a lawyer for the Turkish government, Robert Amsterdam, said “there are indications of direct involvement” of Gülenists. According to Turkish intelligence sources, Amsterdam said: “There are signs that Gülen is working closely with certain members of military leadership against the elected civilian government.”
Gülen’s group, the Alliance for Shared Values, was quick to deny it, issuing a statement saying comments alleging the group’s involvement in the coup were “highly irresponsible” and that the group did not support the military intervention:
Events on the ground are moving quickly and it would be irresponsible for us to speculate on them. We remain concerned about the safety and security of Turkish citizens and those inTurkey right now.
For more than 40 years, Fethullah Gülen and Hizmet participants have advocated for, and demonstrated their commitment to, peace and democracy.
We have consistently denounced military interventions in domestic politics. These are core values of Hizmet participants. We condemn any military intervention in domestic politics of Turkey.
[/FONT]
[FONT="][FONT="]16m ago03:57[/FONT]
[h=2]Turkey closes border to Bulgaria[/h]Bulgaria is boosting patrols along the border with Turkey, as Turkeyhas closed border crossings, Reuters reports:
The foreign ministry appealed to Bulgarians to cancel their travel plans to Turkey.
“We are following what is happening at our neighbours with concern,” prime minister Boiko Borisov told reporters at an emergency meeting with the defence and foreign ministers, as well as intelligence and security officials.
“Let’s hope it will regularise in a lawful and democratic manner … There are ways to topple a government and that in the democratic world happens through elections,” he said.
Bulgarian foreign minister Daniel Mitov spoke on the telephone with his Turkish counterpart and contacts were made by the special services, Borisov added.
The border crossings with Turkey on the Bulgarian side are open. A witness told private national BTV channel that entrance at Kapikule border crossing into Turkey is allowed, but exit towards Bulgaria is not and several cars with Bulgarians were blocked on Turkish territory.
Bulgaria has built a fence at its border with Turkey as part of its attempts to limit illegal crossings of migrants from conflicts in Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan.
“The border crossings from the Turkish side are closed. We have beefed up the border with border police officers and army units,” Borisov said.
“We are following what is happening at our neighbours with concern,” prime minister Boiko Borisov told reporters at an emergency meeting with the defence and foreign ministers, as well as intelligence and security officials.
“Let’s hope it will regularise in a lawful and democratic manner … There are ways to topple a government and that in the democratic world happens through elections,” he said.
Bulgarian foreign minister Daniel Mitov spoke on the telephone with his Turkish counterpart and contacts were made by the special services, Borisov added.
The border crossings with Turkey on the Bulgarian side are open. A witness told private national BTV channel that entrance at Kapikule border crossing into Turkey is allowed, but exit towards Bulgaria is not and several cars with Bulgarians were blocked on Turkish territory.
Bulgaria has built a fence at its border with Turkey as part of its attempts to limit illegal crossings of migrants from conflicts in Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan.
“The border crossings from the Turkish side are closed. We have beefed up the border with border police officers and army units,” Borisov said.
[/FONT]
[FONT="][FONT="]24m ago03:50[/FONT]
[h=2]International reaction[/h]US Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton says:
I am following the fast-moving developments in Turkey tonight with great concern. We should all urge calm and respect for laws, institutions, and basic human rights and freedoms – and support for the democratically elected civilian government.
All parties should work to avoid further violence and bloodshed, and the safety of American citizens and diplomatic missions must be ensured.
We call for restraint by all parties. Canada supports the preservation of Turkish democracy, and condemns any attempt to subvert Turkey’s democratic institutions by force of arms.
[/FONT]
[FONT="][FONT="]29m ago03:44[/FONT]
[h=2]At least 42 killed in Ankara[/h]We have more information on those killed in Ankara overnight.
The prosecutor’s office says most of the 42 people who died were civilians.
Seventeen of the dead were police officers.
In addition, a senior Turkish official says 13 soldiers who tried to storm the presidential palace have been arrested.
[/FONT]
