EU voices support for Turkish govt amid coup attempt

ISTANBUL

European leaders said Saturday that they fully support the Turkish government and called for a swift return to constitutional order in the country.

“Turkey is a key partner for the European Union. The EU fully supports the democratically elected government, the institutions of the country and the rule of law,” according to a joint statement by the president of the European Council, European Commission and the EU High Representative on behalf of the EU member states.

“We call for a swift return to Turkey's constitutional order. We continue to follow closely the developments and to coordinate with the 28 EU Member States,” they said.

Jens Stoltenberg, NATO Secretary General, also called for calm and restraint in Turkey.

In a written statement Saturday, Stoltenberg said he spoke to Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu.

“I call for calm and restraint, and full respect for Turkey's democratic institutions and its constitution. Turkey is a valued NATO Ally,” he said.

The German government also reacted against the late night attempt to topple the Turkish government.

“Turkish democracy should be respected,” Steffen Seibert, spokesman for Chancellor Angela Merkel said via Twitter.

He said Berlin supports the democratically elected government in Turkey.

Newly appointed British Foreign Minister Boris Johnson also voiced concern via Twitter and urged Britons in Turkey to follow the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office's advice.