Turkey Committed to Democracy, says Consul General in Mumbai at 1st Anniversary of Failed Coup Attempt
Erdal Sabri Ergen, Consul General of Turkey in Mumbai and The Principal Secretary of the Government of Maharashtra during the program (Photo: Maeeshat)
Danish Reyaz, Maeeshat.in,
Mumbai, July 16: “We are committed to strengthen our democratic credentials, because we know that this is the only way to counter terrorism in all forms and manifestations,” said Erdal Sabri Ergen, Consul General of Turkey in Mumbai while speaking at an special event held at the Turkish Consulate General here to commemorate the first anniversary of the bloody failed coup attempt in Turkey.
“We are determined to fight such enemies of democracy through democracy,” said the Turkish envoy at the select gathering that featured diplomats, journalists and bureaucrats. The Principal Secretary of the Government of Maharashtra was among the dignitaries.
In his speech, Mr. Ergen recounted the 15th July 2016 attempt of military coup in Turkey when President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was holidaying away from the capital Ankara.
“Turkey is a respected member of the international community, with a proven track record of democratic elections and institutions…It was therefore a huge shock to see the tanks and the airplane out in martial mode,” he said and recalled the wisdom of the President and bravery of the masses that thwarted the coup attempt.
“Admittedly Turkey has had it unfair share of coups – but none recent. The last full-fledged one going back to 1980 (37 years back). But this time the Turkish nation decided that history will not repeat itself. Much of the population was on the streets in front of the tanks. The President of the Republic was also targeted and probably escaped by minutes from the attack to his hotel at a holiday resort. By the convenience of modern technology, President Erdogan has reached out to the population through a FACETIME and a television channel NTV to stand firm. And the population did stand firm. The rest is history – probably the most critical failure of a coup attempt in the northern hemisphere in the last 30 years.
In his speech, the Turkish envoy appreciated Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for coming out fast to condemn the coup bid and extend his support to President Erdogan last year.
“Prime Minister Modiji was among the first world leaders to call President Erdogan to condemn this deplorable act. Many friends of Turkey visited the Consulate or reached out to us through different medium to stand by the Turkish nation and the elected government and the elected President of Turkey,” said the Turkish Consul General.
At least twice in his speech, he used a Hindi word dost or friend while addressing the audience to show warmth in the mutual relations of the two country.
“The Turkish nation will always be grateful to the Indian dosts for the solidarity shown during this difficult time,” said Erdal Sabri Ergen who had begun his speech with this line: “Dear Dosts, Friends of Turkey.”