Sanaa: President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday lauded the Turkish nation's resistance against the July 15 coup attempt, emphasizing that the plot was thwarted due to the people's courage and determination. During a ceremony commemorating the 10th anniversary of the coup attempt, Erdogan remarked that the nation managed to cast aside what he described as an imperialist project.
According to Anadolu Agency, Erdogan highlighted the critical role played by the Turkish parliament during the coup attempt. He noted that, similar to its stance a century ago against occupying forces, the parliament stood firm against what he referred to as imperialism's proxies on July 15. The president paid tribute to the 253 individuals who lost their lives while defending the country, its flag, and democratic values.
Erdogan underscored the unity of Turkish politicians, stating that they remain united today, as they were a decade ago, in defending national independence and democracy. He asserted that Turkey would always honor those who sacrificed their lives for the nation's sovereignty.
In his remarks, Erdogan praised the resilience of Turkish citizens and members of parliament who, despite threats and bombardment, resisted the coup attempt. He expressed confidence in the parliament's continued solidarity against threats to national sovereignty.
Erdogan warned that despite the failure of the coup attempt, those responsible continue to seek opportunities to pursue their objectives. He accused them of using media and social media platforms to create tensions and lobby against Turkey, often in collaboration with individuals or groups harboring grievances against the nation.
The president specifically accused members of the FETO organization of conducting influence campaigns on digital platforms. He warned that although the threat from FETO had been contained, it had not disappeared. Erdogan urged vigilance against a group he described as exploiting democracy and infiltrating institutions.
Describing the July 15 coup attempt as an imperialist project, Erdogan stated it aimed to weaken Turkey and transform it into a dependent state. He credited the failure of this plan to the determination of Turkish citizens who risked their lives to defend their country.
Erdogan noted that the aftermath of the coup attempt saw accelerated efforts to remove FETO members from state institutions. He linked the defeat of the attempt to subsequent military operations that bolstered Turkey's security. The president also highlighted Turkey's role in regional conflicts, showcasing its strengthened position in the aftermath of the coup attempt.
Erdogan concluded by describing the adoption of the presidential system as a significant gain from the post-coup period, resolving issues of dual authority in governance. He asserted that Turkey's progress in various sectors was due to the elimination of FETO, projecting confidence in the nation's future trajectory and the ongoing "Century of Turkey."