Less than a day after Turkey’s surprising pivot toward Russia, when in his first post-coup trip abroad Turkey president Erdogan flew not to a western, or NATO, ally but instead jaunted over the Russia to fix and cement future ties, including among other a resumption of work on the mothballed Turkish Stream gas pipeline, NATO appears to have gotten rather defensive, and in what some commentators dubbed an “odd move”, reminded Turkey that it is still an ally member.
From NATO’s secretary general:
In view of speculative press reports regarding NATO’s stance regarding the failed coup in Turkey and Turkey’s NATO membership, let me stress NATO’s very clear position.
Turkey is a valued Ally, making substantial contributions to NATO’s joint efforts. Turkey takes full part in the Alliance’s consensus-based decisions as we confront the biggest security challenges in a generation. Turkey’s NATO membership is not in question. Our Alliance is committed to collective defence and founded on the principles of democracy, individual liberty, human rights and the rule of law. NATO counts on the continued contributions of Turkey and Turkey can count on the solidarity and support of NATO.
The NATO Secretary General spoke to the Turkish Foreign Minister on the night of the attempted coup and later with President Erdogan, strongly condemning the attempted coup and reiterating full support for Turkey’s democratic institutions. He expressed support for the elected government of Turkey and respect for the courage of the Turkish people. He also conveyed his condolences for those who had lost their lives during the coup attempt.
While we don’t doubt that Turkey – and Putin – are well aware of NATO’s stance on Turkey, which allegedly hosts over 50 US nuclear bombs at Incirlik and thus is an indispensable member of the alliance, and one with megatons of leverage, Turkey pressed on today with its recent “anti-western” agenda, when it said earlier today that the European Union was making grave mistakes in its response to Turkey’s failed coup and was losing support for EU membership from Turks as a result. – READ MORE
