Ankara/Washington: – Turkish internal security Minister Suleyman Soylu made an open accusation that the United States was behind the coup in Turkey, in 2016, to overthrow the Erdogan government. This accusation has created a sensation, and the United States has immediately published a statement denying the accusation. Since the last few days, Turkey is seen to be making efforts to improve relations with the United States and Europe. The statement made by a Turkish Minister at such a juncture becomes significant. In the next 24 hours, after the incident, the US defence department announced that the US tough stand on the Turkish purchase of S-400 from Russia remains the same.
The military had revolted in 2016 to overthrow the Recep Erdogan regime in Turkey. A minimum of 250 people had been killed, and thousands had been injured in the conflict that ensued. Erdogan had accused that religious leader Fethullah Gulen and the organisation built by him were behind the rebellion. The Turkish agencies had embarked on a massive campaign against Fethullah Gulen and the military officials supporting him. Following the uprising, Erdogan made essential changes to the Turkish constitution to tighten his grip on Turkey.
Since the last few years, Erdogan has started making strong moves to increase Turkish influence in the African and Asian continents. The United States, along with the European and Gulf countries, have been offended by the Turkish activities. The United States and European countries have imposed sanctions against Turkey, and the effects of the sanctions are visible in the Turkish economy. To break the impasse created, President Erdogan had indicated to improve relations with the European countries along with Israel and Greece. While these efforts are being made, it is surprising that the Turkish minister has suddenly made this statement regarding the 2016 rebellion, accusing the United States.
New US President Joe Biden and the administration are known to be opposed to Turkish President Erdogan’s policies. Biden, as well as other senior officials and leaders from the administration, have indicated to initiate steps against Turkey. Against this background, the Turkish minister’s statement adds to the tension, when there is a need to improve relations with the United States. The United States has immediately refuted the Turkish minister’s statement and has warned that it is entirely incorrect. After that, John Kirby, the spokesman of the US defence department, targeted Turkey over the purchase of S-400 by clearly indicating that the tension between the two countries has not diffused.
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