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Obama reiterates U.S. "unwavering support" for democratically-elected civilian Turkish government

Xinhua, July 17, 2016 Adjust font size:

U.S. President Barack Obama on Saturday reiterated the U.S. "unwavering support" for the democratically-elected civilian government of Turkey in the aftermath of a coup attempt.

Obama made the remarks at a White House meeting with his national security and foreign policy advisers, where he received an update on the situation in Turkey, where reportedly at least 194 people were killed and 1,100 others wounded in the military coup attempt on Friday.

"The President's advisers apprised him of the most recent developments on the ground, and the President reiterated the United States' unwavering support for the democratically-elected, civilian Government of Turkey," the White House said in a statement.

Obama instructed his team to continue to work with their Turkish counterparts "to maintain the safety and well-being of diplomatic missions and personnel, U.S. servicemembers, and their dependents," the statement said.

So far, there has been no report that any Americans were killed or injured in the violence.

Obama and his team "lamented the loss of life and registered the vital need for all parties in Turkey to act within the rule of law and to avoid actions that would lead to further violence or instability," it said.

Obama also "underscored the shared challenges that will require continued Turkish cooperation, including our joint efforts against terrorism," it added.

The White House meeting was held amid reports that the Turkish government sealed off the Incirlik air base in southern Turkey, where U.S. forces launched the air strikes against the terror group Islamic State (IS) in Syria.

Turkey is a NATO ally for the United States and part of the U.S.-led coalition to fight IS.

Meanwhile, Turkey blamed a U.S.-based cleric, Fethullah Gulen, for the attempted military coup, while demanding Gulen's extradition by the U.S. government.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday reiterated a call for Obama to hand over Gulen.

"Please meet our request if we are strategic partners," Erdogan said in remarks delivered in Istanbul.

Speaking earlier in Luxembourg, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said the United States would consider the extradition request for the cleric on condition that Turkey proves Gulen's wrongdoing. Endit