Turkish General Staff denies coup d’état plot accusationsMarch 31, 2016 - 11:40 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The Turkish General Staff has denied allegations that some members of the military allegedly linked to the Fethullah Gülen movement were planning a coup d’état, according to a written statement issued Thursday, March 31, Hurriyet Daily News reports. Fethullah Gülen is a Turkish preacher, former imam, writer, and political figure. The founder of the Gülen movement, he currently lives in self-imposed exile in the United States. Gülen was an ally of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan until 2013, when the alliance was destroyed after corruption investigations. He is currently on Turkey's most-wanted terrorist list and is accused of leading what the current Turkish government calls the Gulenist Terror Organisation. “Discipline, absolute obedience and single order command is essential in the Turkish Armed Forces. It is not possible for there to be any concessions to any illegal and out-of-command chain hierarchy establishment or action,” said the statement, adding that a legal process had been initiated and a criminal complaint filed against those who published news stories and comments spreading the allegations. In the statement, the Turkish Armed Forces emphasized that it voices its “loyalty to democracy” at every opportunity and that such “baseless” allegations “naturally demoralize military personnel.” The statement came during President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s visit to the United States. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Court in Azerbaijan extends former Karabakh leader’s arrest by 5 months The Binagadi District Court in Azerbaijan has granted the prosecutor’s petition to extend the arrest of Arkady Ghukasyan. Ucom General Director joins High-Tech Development Panel Discussion The discussion was titled "The Role of International Corporations and Investors as Catalysts for Development of High-Tech Ecosystem." U.S. still believes “peace is possible” between Armenia, Azerbaijan The United States continues to believe that peace is possible between Armenia and Azerbaijan, Vedant Patel says. Dozens detained as antigovernment protest continue in Armenia At least 63 people demanding Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s resignation were detained on May 14 as they blocked streets in Yerevan. |