Turkey Gives US Ultimatum over G?len Extradition

A handout picture provided by the Turkish Presidential Press office shows, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (L) waving during the August 11 rally. EPA/BGNES

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdo?an has said the United States will have to make a choice between Ankara and the movement of US-based preacher Fethullah G?len, which it refers to as a terrorist organization called FET?.

His remarks, issued in front of a crowd of supporters in the capital, come as the extradition of G?len from the US is in limbo, with no official response issued yet despite Turkey's insistence. Turkey blames G?len and his organization and supporters for being behind the failed coup which rocked the country last month.

"Either the coup-plotting terrorist FET? or the democratic country Turkey. It has to make this choice," Anadolu Agency quotes Erdo?an as saying.

The Turkish head of state has made clear he sees no difference between groups such as the PKK, the Islamic State (IS) group and G?len's movement.

He has warned citizens to stay constantly vigilant even though Wednesday's rally has been announced as the last demonstration in support of democracy.

"Betrayal can come from anywhere or anyone," Erdo?an is quoted as saying.

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