13 October 2016•Update: 14 October 2016
BERLIN
The Turkish government's investigation into Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO) is legitimate, German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier told European lawmakers on Thursday.
"The coup attempt in Turkey terrified and shocked all. Fortunately, it [was] quickly suppressed. Turkey's intensive investigation into the coup attempt is legitimate," Steinmeier told the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) in Berlin
On July 15, more than 240 people were martyred and around 2,200 others injured when a section of the armed forces tried to overthrow the government.
Steinmeier also welcomed Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu's remarks on Ankara’s post-coup investigation.
Cavusoglu had told European lawmakers on Wednesday: “We continue to cooperate with the Council of Europe during the process. We are informing them about our legislative regulations.
“The process runs [in accordance] with the Council of Europe [standards] and basic values."
Steinmeier said it was important that Turkey carry out the investigation in accordance with the principles of a lawful state.
Turkey has accused FETO, led by U.S.-based Fetullah Gulen, of organizing a long-running campaign to topple the state through the infiltration of institutions such as the military, police and judiciary.
