Turkey’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN) Ambassador Ahmet Yıldız, Turkey’s Consul General in New York Reyhan Özgür, local and foreign diplomatic mission staff, representatives from various civil society organizations and citizens attended the program organized by the Consulate General in New York.
Before the program, the photography exhibition opened by the Presidency’s Directorate of Communications at the Turkish House on the occasion of July 15 was visited, then a moment of silence was observed for the martyrs, the National Anthem was sung and the program began with the recitation of the Quran.
In his speech, Ambassador Yıldız conveyed the feelings he experienced on the night of FETO’s coup attempt against democracy 8 years ago. Yıldız said, “Personally, until that night, we thought that coups were over in Turkey, but that was not the case. But now I believe that July 15th was the end of coups. Because it was the first time it received such a social reaction.”
Stating that the people showed great resistance that night under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Yıldız said, “If the coup had been successful, I do not know where we would be today, but that night was a turning point in terms of the “end of coups.”
Yıldız emphasized that he had personally experienced the great admiration felt towards Turkey from foreign countries after the coup attempt was prevented, and that Turkey’s image in the eyes of the world had increased even more as its democracy became stronger.
Turkey’s Consul General in New York, Reyhan Özgür, also stated that the commemoration ceremonies held on the occasion of July 15 refreshed the national memory and facilitated the transfer of acquired experiences to new generations. Özgür said, “July 15, 2016, constitutes a turning point in our recent history. 8 years ago today, members of FETO, who had secretly gathered within the state, attempted a coup against the legitimate government elected by the votes of our people.”
Özgür, who stated that the Turkish people put up an unwavering resistance against the coup attempt, said, “Our citizens have the biggest share in thwarting FETO’s treacherous coup attempt, and perhaps more importantly, in declaring that the understanding of national will is an inseparable part of our national identity.”
Özgür, drawing attention to the fact that the FETO organization is fed by sources abroad, said, “Therefore, we must be aware that it is likely to grow again if its activities are turned a blind eye.”
Özgür stated that FETO has entered many structures in the US under the guise of civil society, and noted that the Turkish-American community has a great responsibility in the fight against this organization.
After the program, a video presentation prepared by the Presidency’s Directorate of Communications was presented to the participants.
