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Turkey turmoil threatens world stability: Russia

Saturday, 16 July 2016 3:47 PM [ Last Update: Saturday, 16 July 2016 4:27 PM ]

People take cover near policemen as gunfire is heard during an attempted coup in Istanbul's Taksim square, Turkey, July 16, 2016. ©Reuters

Russia says turmoil in Turkey poses a threat to regional and international peace and stability, calling on the Turkish officials to resolve the situation without violence and within the country's constitutional framework.

“The escalation of the political situation (in Turkey) against the backdrop of existing terrorist threats in this country and of armed conflict in the region pose heightened risks for international and regional stability,” the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Saturday.

The statement, which came following a coup attempt in Turkey, further said Moscow was “gravely concerned” about events inside the country.

The Russian Foreign Ministry called on “the authorities and people of Turkey to solve the existing problems without violence, and to respect the constitutional order.”

The coup attempt started on Friday evening when tanks took up positions on two bridges over the Bosphorus Strait in Istanbul, blocking traffic.

Turkish officials say the attempt to seize control of the country by a faction of the armed forces is now over, with 2,839 soldiers, including high-ranking officers have been arrested.

Damaged vehicles are seen in front of a military vehicle during a coup attempt in Ankara, Turkey, July 16, 2016. ©Reuters

Turkey's Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said 161 people had been killed and 1,440 wounded in clashes in a night he called a “black stain on Turkish democracy.”

Russia ready for joint work with Turkey’s legitimate leadership

Moscow further reiterated its readiness for constructive cooperation with the “lawfully elected Turkish government” especially in countering terrorism.

“We confirm readiness for joint constructive work with the lawfully elected leadership of the Republic of Turkey to promote bilateral relations to the benefit of the peoples of our countries, for the search of efficient ways to solve urgent international issues linked with anti-terror fight, primarily,” the statement said.

Ties between Moscow and Ankara strained over the Turkish shooting down of a Russian fighter jet last November.

Ankara argued that the Russian plane strayed into its airspace. Russia, however, insisted the aircraft did not cross the border and accused Ankara of "planned provocation."

Following the incident, Russia imposed a raft of sanctions against Turkey and suspended all military deals with Ankara.

Last month, Russia’s President Vladimir Putin ordered the revival of ties with Turkey after the Kremlin said Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had apologized to the Russian leader over the shooting down incident.

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