site.btaTurkish Ambassador Gokce Speaks Out on Coup Attempt Anniversary

Sofia, July 14 (BTA) - Addressing a news conference here on Friday, Turkish Ambassador Suleyman Gokce said that his country is trying to achieve the right balance between freedoms and the need for security. The news conference marked the first anniversary of the failed coup in Turkey.

"We are determined to reinforce our democratic foundations. We'll fight the enemies of democracy with more democracy," said Gokce, citing an ad hoc committee which looks into complaints against unlawful detentions and dismissals in the wake of the coup.

On Thursday, the Turkish Justice Ministry said that a total of 50,510 people have been detained. These include 169 Turkish generals, 7,098 senior officers, 24 governors, 116 mayors, 8,815 police officers, 2,280 judges and prosecutors, 41 members of the Council of the State, two members of the Constitutional Court, and three members of the Supreme Board of Judges and Prosecutors. The police are looking for 8,087 people, of whom 152 are servicemen.

The Ambassador dismissed reports that hundreds of thousands are in custody.

Stating his country's official position, Gokce said it was wrong to describe the coup attempt as carried out by the military. He said that it was exiled cleric Fethullah Gulen who through his organization planned and carried out the coup.

Gokce said that Gulen's organization has branches in many countries, including Bulgaria.

The Ambassador said that the state of emergency in Turkey won't go on forever.

Asked about attempts by Turkey to influence that latest general elections in Bulgaria in March, Gokce dismissed the allegations that the Turkish government supports parties registered in Bulgaria.

As to Turkey's relations with the European Union, Gokce said there are difficulties but nothing that can't be overcome. "I am convinced that common sense will prevail in the end and issues will resolved," he said.