Speech by Ambassador Füsun Aramaz
on the Occasion of “July 15 Democracy and National Unity Day”
Distinguished Members of the Romanian Parliament,
Dear Mr (Aledin Amet,) State Secretary,
Distinguished Ambassadors and members of the diplomatic corps,
Valuable members of the Turkish-Tatar community and our fellow citizens
Ladies and Centlemen,
I would like to welcome you all to our commemoration event of “ !5 July Democracy and National Unity Day”. Today marks the fifth anniversary of the heinous coup attempt against our democracy and constitution, which was foiled by our nation.
Ruthless attack against law and institutions versus civil resistance ended in the loss of 251 citizens. More than two thousand people were injured. Intense bombing that targeted the Grand National Assembly of Turkey and critical spots in Ankara resulted in the martyrdom of many innocent public servants and civilians.
15th of July coup attempt was planned by the FETO leadership and carried out by members of the organization, whom infiltrated into our army by disobeying the chain of command of the armed forces. Yet, this savage and treacherous attempt was staged by a subversive faction in the Turkish Armed Forces, an organized group of infiltrators, whereas the vast majority of the Armed Forces and Turkish Police Forces, from the very beginning, stood up against it.
In order to fully understand all aspects of the 15th July coup attempt, it is imperative to consider this dark network, established over the last few decades by FETO. Education and culture activies are the guise for the so-called religiously-motivated cult of personality to recruit members and increase influence. Brainwashed and indoctrinated group of followers carry out the instructions of the organization’s leadership unquestioningly and in violation of any legal and moral norm which stand against their agenda. Graduates of these schools were able to infiltrate the most critical institutions of the State. This perennial process of infiltrating into state culminated in this insolent attack.
Distinguished guests,
Strong solidarity displayed by our friend, neighbour and ally Romania with our Government and people has already taken its precious place in our collective memories. Mr. Lazar Comanescu, the-then Minister of Foreign Affairs, was one of the primary statesmen among the EU countries to visit Turkey in the aftermath of the coup attempt.
The foiled coup attempt set the bloodiest terrorist attack Turkey ever faced in her history. It clearly demonstrated to all the countries where this network operates under the guise of schools and so-called cultural and charity associations that what we really have at stake is a global and dark enterprise functioning under the cover of dubious school networks.
Turkish nation from all walks of life stood up against this assault. Resistance of the people prevented the conspirators from achieving their target. We owe much to their bravery and sacrifice.
Hereby, I deem it a must to underline the founding principle of the Turkish Republic and Turkish Constitution, declared a century ago by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, father of the Nation: “Sovereignty rests unconditionally and unrestrictedly with the Nation”.
On the occasion of the fifth anniversary of this heinous attack, we commemorate our beloved martyrs.
Now allow me to address to our community members in Turkish.
