NATO says Turkey, valued ally, membership not in question

NATO on Wednesday called Turkey a valued ally, according to a statement made by NATO spokesperson Oana Lungescu.

NATO's position came "in view of speculative press reports regarding NATO's stance regarding the failed coup in Turkey and Turkey's NATO membership."

"Turkey is a valued ally, making substantial contributions to NATO's joint efforts," she said, adding, "Turkey's NATO membership is not in question."

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg spoke to Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu on the night of the attempted coup and later with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, strongly condemning the attempted coup and reiterating full support for Turkey's democratic institutions, according to the statement. Endit