Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Tuesday urged world leaders to “immediately take all necessary steps” against the alleged perpetrator of a recent deadly coup attempt in Turkey.
Erdogan said the Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO) was a threat to all nations where they operate.
“It is evident by experience that if you do not fight against FETO now, tomorrow might be too late,” Turkish leader said in an address to the United Nations General Assembly.
A fraction within the Turkish Armed Forces linked to U.S.-based Fetullah Gulen, attempted to overthrow the government.
The July 15 coup followed the government’s crackdown on FETO’s clandestine operations that had been nested within the state for decades.
FETO-linked soldiers killed 241 people and injured 2194 others as well as bombed the parliament, presidential palace and several security units based in Ankara, during the coup attempt.
“I also would like to state that attributions such as Turkish, Turkey used by this terrorist organization, all the other labels therein and the persons associated with them have no association with Turkey whatsoever,” Erdogan said.
Erdogan commended his nation’s determined stance against the bloody coup. “I take pride in my nation as my nation defeated this heinous coup attempt by risking their lives.
“They showed a very noble stance,” he said. “If I stand here today before you it is thanks to our nation’s brave stance and noble stance.”
According to the Turkish president, the failed coup was “aimed at the global democracy as well”.
FETO is infiltrating state institutions, influencing the society and dominating economy “under the disguise of education, dialogue, tolerance, non-governmental organization and ostensibly good intentions,” he said.