site.btaTurkey's Ambassador Gokce Assures There Won't Be Travel Restrictions for Bulgarians in Relation to Imposed State of Emergency in Turkey

Turkey's Ambassador Gokce Assures There Won't Be
Travel Restrictions for Bulgarians in Relation to Imposed State of Emergency in Turkey


Sofia, July 21 (BTA) - The declared state of emergency in Turkey will not lead to travel restrictions for Bulgarian citizens, Turkish Ambassador to Sofia Suleyman Gokce told a news conference here on Thursday.

He explained that this is an administrative measure that has nothing to do with the economy, business and tourism. Parliament, the press and everything else is working, Gokce said, explaining that this is not martial law.

"Business will go on as usual, there won't be any restrictions and you can visit any place you like," he commented.

Ambassador Gokce noted that human rights and freedoms will be respected constitutionally and in observance of international law, recalling that his country is among the founders of the Council of Europe, a NATO member and aspiring EU member.

The Ambassador commented that currently there are many tourists and visitors in Turkey, including Bulgarian citizens, noting that ensuring the safety and freedom of everyone is a basic responsibility of each country. Turkey will be safe and will provide security and freedom to all who are there, Gokce added.

Ambassador Gokce said that his country will continue striving to join the EU.

He recalled that there have been military coups in Turkey in the past, but the National Parliament has never been attacked. These are times of trials and tribulations, but Turkey will prevail in a democratic way, the Ambassador said.

Gokce recalled the events and explained that on the night of July 15 part of Turkey's armed forces attempted a coup, but it soon transpired that this was an organized terrorist campaign. This act of violence was not supported by the senior military officials, he further said. "What we came to understand is that the plot was organized by Fethullah Gulen's organization," Gokce commented. The perpetrators will be punished in observance with the law and constitutional order, he went on to say.

"We are working very hard to achieve a transparent media coverage," Gokce said, expressing disappointment over the distortion of what is really happening in Turkey. He commented the situation with the detention, dismissal and arrests in Turkey, explaining the differences between them. According to him, the cart is being put before the horse. Instead of talking about what exactly happened during this violent plot, people started talking about the consequences. What really happened must be discussed, because this was an act of violence, intended not just to topple the government, but also to take over the whole state. That is why too many people were connected both directly and indirectly with this attempt, the Turkish Ambassador said. PK/MY