UN chief urges quick return to civilian rule in Turkey
UNITED NATIONS, United States–UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Friday called for a quick and peaceful return to civilian rule in Turkey following a coup attempt by the military.
“Military interference in the affairs of any state is unacceptable,” Ban said in a statement.
Turkish military units launched an attempted coup, but President Recep Tayyip Erdogan vowed to defeat them in their bid to overthrow him.
“It will be crucial to quickly and peacefully affirm civilian rule and constitutional order in accordance with principles of democracy,” said the statement from Ban’s spokesman.
READ: Turkish officials say coup attempt appears to have failed
Ban appealed for “calm, non-violence and restraint” in Turkey, noting that it was “a moment of uncertainty.”
“Preservation of fundamental rights, including freedom of speech and assembly, remain of vital importance,” he added.
