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U.S. denies role in Turkish coup attempt, warning about accusations' harm to relations

Xinhua, July 17, 2016 Adjust font size:

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry on Saturday denied any U.S. role in Turkey's failed coup attempt, while warning about such accusations' harm to relations.

In a phone conversation with Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, Kerry received an update on events in Turkey, and was told that the Turkish government remains in control of state institutions.

The phone talk was held amid Turkey's accusations of a U.S.-based cleric, Fethullah Gulen, for plotting the coup, while demanding Gulen's extradition by the U.S. government.

Kerry warned that "public insinuations or claims about any role by the United States in the failed coup attempt are utterly false and harmful to our bilateral relations," but adding that the United States would entertain an extradition request on condition that Turkey proves wrongdoing by Gulen.

The secretary of state called for"restraint by the Turkish government and respect for due process -- and its international obligations -- as it investigates and uncovers additional information about those involved."

He reiterated U.S. support for the "democratically-elected, civilian government and democratic institutions," making clear that the United States would be willing to provide assistance to Turkish authorities investigating into the coup attempt. Cavusoglu thanked the U.S. for its support.

The two officials also discussed Turkey's importance as both a NATO ally and a key member of the coalition to defeat the Islamic State (IS), while stressing the need to "stay focused on ensuring operational support to those efforts continue unabated."

On Friday, part of Turkey's army launched a failed coup to oust President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, in which reportedly at least 265 people were killed and 1,440 others were wounded.

After the coup, Turkey imposed a security lockdown at the Incirlik Air Base, where the U.S.-led coalition launched airstrikes on the IS in Syria. U.S. officials were reportedly working with the Turks on Saturday to resume air operations in the base as soon as possible.

U.S. President Barack Obama earlier on Saturday also reiterated the U.S. "unwavering support," and called for joint efforts against terrorism. Endi