US finally sees the FETO danger: Turkish Deputy PM

ISTANBUL

Washington is finally waking up to the threat of the Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO) in Turkey, Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmus said Friday, fresh back from a trip to the United States.

Speaking on CNN Turk, Kurtulmus reiterated Ankara expects Washington to extradite the mastermind behind the July 15 foiled coup, Fetullah Gulen, who has lived in Pennsylvania in self-imposed exile since 1999.

Turkish authorities hold the Gulen-led FETO responsible for the coup attempt, which left more than 240 people martyred and nearly 2,200 injured.

Kurtulmus said that based on his trip, the atmosphere for Gulen’s extradition is now more positive, adding, “Because they [the U.S.] also finally understand that this is really a very great danger to Turkey.”

He said he expects the U.S. to “at least” prevent Gulen’s operations in the country when the investigation into the coup attempt is still ongoing.

"Our expectation from our ally and friend country, which we have an extradition treaty with, is this: At least prevent the leader of this gang from operating there and manipulating people, while the probe is ongoing into an organization which has damaged us, hurt us, and attempted to destroy Turkey’s national integrity, and democratic system”.

Kurtulmus also vowed to continue the fight against FETO and bring those responsible for the defeated coup attempt to justice.

"We are talking about a struggle that could last for years. There may be FETO members in top or remote positions who have managed to disguise themselves.

“Let our people have no doubt that we will hold them all accountable.”

Turkish officials have submitted a formal request for the extradition of Gulen, who is accused of leading a long-running campaign to overthrow the state through the infiltration of Turkish institutions, particularly the military, police, and judiciary.

*Reporting by Cemal Coskun; Writing by Hale Turkes