Details added (first version posted on 14:14)
Baku, Azerbaijan, Sept.7
Trend:
Azerbaijan stands by Turkey and expresses its unequivocal support for the government of Turkey in all its domestic and international endeavors, said Azerbaijan’s Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov.
He made the remarks during the meeting of the Ministers' Deputies of the Council of Europe in Strasbourg, France.
“From the very beginning, Azerbaijan expressed its serious concern and strongly condemned this crime perpetrated by one group against the constitution and democracy in brotherly Turkey,” said Mammadyarov.
“By reiterating our solidarity with the people and state of Turkey we expressed our conviction that the situation would fully stabilize through unity of Turkish people and the state,” he said. “Regretfully, the coup attempt took many lives and by using this opportunity I extend my deep condolences to the families and loved ones of those perished while preventing this crime.”
“First of all, I would like to thank everyone who organize this meeting and provide us with this opportunity to come together today to display our full solidarity with the people and state of Turkey in the aftermath of an attempted military coup against one of the founding members of the Council of Europe,” said Mammadyarov.
The foreign minister pointed out that Turkey plays an important role in enhancing and securing peace and sustainability in and beyond the region and therefore its own stability is of utmost importance for the entire region.
“Azerbaijan enjoys strong strategic partnership with Turkey based on the will of our people and state and our shared values,” he said. “Therefore, naturally the violent coup attempt against the legitimate government of the brotherly nation caused great anxiety in our society.”
“We commend the Estonian Chairmanship for clear condemnation of the attempted coup and for visiting Turkey in the aftermath of the tragic events to express support for the leadership of Turkey and demonstrate solidarity with the Turkish people,” said Mammadyarov.
These acts were not only necessary for supporting the legitimate government in Turkey, but also for defending the common values the organization stands for, he added.
“We believe that this very important political support should continue by providing Turkey with any assistance it needs in the post-coup period through the valuable mechanisms and tools the Council of Europe has at its disposal,” said the foreign minister.
Council of Europe can, without a doubt, play a constructive and important role in this process, said Mammadyarov, adding that Turkey has to enjoy full and unequivocal support of the members of international community.
“We have an obligation to stand with Turkey against the threat to its democracy,” said Mammadyarov.
“On behalf of my government I wish to stress that Azerbaijan stands by Turkey and expresses its unequivocal support for the government of Turkey in all its domestic and international endeavors,” he added.
On July 15 evening, Turkish authorities said a military coup attempt took place in the country. Meanwhile, a group of servicemen announced about transition of power to them. However, the rebelling servicemen started to surrender July 16 and Turkish authorities said the coup attempt failed.
Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had said the death toll as a result of the military coup attempt stood at 246, excluding the coup plotters, and over 2,000 people were wounded.
Erdogan declared a three-month state of emergency in Turkey on July 20.