• The Minister says that the "secretive transnational criminal network", FETO which is present around the world, has infiltrated India through associations and schools
• On July 15, the clandestine faction led by FETO within the Turkish Army attempted to stage a coup to overthrow the democratically elected government
• The minister also expressed concern over the situation in Syria as Turkey is directly impacted by the conflict there and violence in the region

August 22,2016: During his first official visit to India, Mr. Mevlut Cavusoglu, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkey claims that Fethullah Gulen Terrorist Organisation (FETO), blamed for the failed coup to topple President Tayyip Erdogan in Turkey, has "infiltrated" India.

He says that the "secretive transnational criminal network", FETO which is present around the world, has infiltrated India through associations and schools.

"In all countries where FETO has a presence, we ask them to take immediate actions to remove them from their territories," said the minister to PTI.

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After holding talks with Sushma Swaraj, the Turkish Foreign Minister said in an interview with PTI, "I have already taken up this issue with my counterpart."

According to the PTI report, External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup said the Indian side is "sensitive" to Turkish concerns and Indian security agencies were "looking into" Ankara's demand for closure of associations connected with FETO which were carrying out illegal activities.

• On July 15, the clandestine faction led by FETO within the Turkish Army attempted to stage a coup to overthrow the democratically elected government.
• More than 240 people died and over 1,500 others were injured as fallout of the failed coup.
• The President of Turkey, Erdogan had blamed US-based cleric Gulen, who currently lives in self-imposed exile in the US, for the attempted coup last month.

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"We appreciate the prompt support to our democratically elected government by my Indian counterpart, External Affairs Minister Swaraj," the minister added.

The minister also expressed concern over the situation in Syria as Turkey is directly impacted by the conflict there and violence in the region.

He said that the much-needed political transition in Syria is only possible if the international community works together. He also added that it is not only a prerequisite to end the conflict, but also essential to fight terrorism.

As sharing information and cooperating to eliminate all forms and manifestations of terrorism is important to eliminate the threat both the countries face, Cavusoglu said, "Therefore, exchange of information regarding these threats and bilateral and multilateral cooperation and solidarity against terrorism is crucial."

– prepared by Ajay Krishna of NewsGram. Twitter: @ajkrish14

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