July 19, 2016•Update: July 20, 2016
ANKARA
The leader of Turkey’s main opposition on Tuesday called for unity and the protection of democracy following Friday's failed coup.
Speaking at a parliamentary meeting in Ankara on Tuesday, chairman of the Republican People's Party (CHP), Kemal Kilicdaroglu, said: “Democracy should be our common ground regardless of anyone’s opinion, faith and lifestyle.”
He condemned those responsible for the coup attempt and said problems could only be solved through democratic means.
“We are living in the 21st century,” Kilicdaroglu said. “Why would you stage a coup? We should resolve problems in the parliamentary way. Parliament should reveal its will and sort our troubles.
“Democracy cannot be suspended for any reason. The attempted coup targeted the parliamentary democratic system. People who tried to spoil the system have been disappointed.”
He added that Turkey deserves “first class democracy, not third class democracy”.
