Presidency's Head of Communications Burhanettin Duran sent a video message to the panel titled “10th Anniversary of 15 July: Victory of Democracy,” held at the Directorate of Communications.
Head of Communications Duran stated that Türkiye experienced a historic night ten years ago, recalling that on the night of 15 July 2016, members of FETO targeted the will of the nation and democracy by attacking public institutions and the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye.
Noting that FETO members also raided the premises of media outlets and seized control of the bridges in İstanbul, the most iconic landmarks of the city, Head of Communications Duran continued:
"However, as a state and a nation, we had an epic resistance against this bloody coup attempt. Our people took to the streets to put a stop to the coup attempt. The treacherous network claimed the lives of 253 of our citizens, who were martyred, while thousands more were injured. The night of 15 July 2016 marked a pivotal moment that shaped the future of our nation in every aspect. We owe the victory of that night to our President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s resolute and independent political stance and leadership from the very first moments. In İstanbul, our capital Ankara, and across many parts of Türkiye, millions heeded our President's call, took to the streets, and defended the will of the nation. Throughout history, the Turkish nation has been renowned for its unwavering commitment to freedom and independence. We have never yielded to subjugation, betrayal, or cowardly conspiracies throughout the thousands of years of our history.
"We endured difficult and challenging days"
Head of Communications Duran stated that Türkiye has the strength to confront and combat all threats to its sovereignty and independence.
Noting that "The FETO network, which sought to undermine our country from within while receiving support from abroad, was not the first threat of its kind that our nation has faced throughout its history," Duran continued:
The Turkish Nation has faced such great trials and has always stood the test with success. Today, we have eliminated the remnants of the FETO organisation from our state and nation. We paid a price while doing so. We endured difficult and challenging days. Despite the challenges, Türkiye, under the leadership of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, is strong enough to confront the threats to its sovereignty. Regardless of the extent of external support behind such threats, we have stood together as one nation in the face of every challenge to our country, and we will continue to do so.
Today, members of FETO, whom Türkiye requests be extradited at the international level, are present in many countries and virtually supported. Here is our call to all countries that are friends of Türkiye and wish to grow and nurture this friendship together: We expect our friends to stand by our side and act with loyalty in the face of structures that target our nation's sovereignty and democracy. Because FETO is not merely a national security problem concerning Türkiye alone. FETO is a blatant threat to all countries in which it operates.
"We must forge joint solutions to global problems"
Presidency's Head of Communications Duran said that the 15 July coup attempt showed how terrorist organisations and hybrid threats can emerge in such complex forms in today’s world.
Pointing out that all societies are facing manipulation and deepening crises of truth on a global scale, Duran noted the following:
"Narratives in the mainstream media have the power to obscure societal realities. As a result, despite our geographical differences, we must recognise that we confront similar challenges and work together to find answers to global concerns. In this regard, Türkiye's 15 July experience holds universal significance. So, let us all imagine a future in which fear gives way to hope, conflict to cooperation, polarisation to mutual understanding, and a "fairer international order" is possible. As I conclude my remarks, I commemorate our 15 July martyrs with mercy and express my gratitude to our heroic veterans. I thank everyone who contributed to this valuable programme and enriched it with their participation, and I greet you all with respect."