European Commissioner Timmermans on the involvement of the Gülen movement in the attempted coup in Turkey
18.11.2016
Question for written answer E-008680-16
to the Commission
Rule 130
Jeroen Lenaers (PPE) , Esther de Lange (PPE)
On Tuesday 15 November 2016, an interview with Mr Timmermans was published in the media, containing the following quotation: ‘Op basis van Amerikaans onderzoek zijn er steeds meer indicaties dat de Gülenbeweging wel degelijk een rol heeft gespeeld in de mislukte staatsgreep deze zomer in Turkije’ (On the basis of American research, there are growing indications that the Gülen movement did indeed play a part in the failed coup in Turkey this summer).[1]’.
1. In view of the weight that his statements carry, and the concern that this could cause in Turkey and in Turkish communities, we believe that Mr Timmermans ought to clarify his statement. On what information did Mr Timmermans base his conclusions, and has he shared this information with the Turkish authorities?
2. First Vice-President Timmermans made this statement while being interviewed in his capacity as a representative of the Commission. Does the College of Commissioners agree with his conclusions?
3. Mr Timmermans must be aware that Turkey has applied to the USA for the extradition of Fethullah Gülen. Does this mean that the Commission will not oppose extradition to Turkey from the USA under President Trump?
- [1] http://www.knack.be/nieuws/wereld/frans-timmermans-gulen-beweging-speelde-waarschijnlijk-wel-rol-in-staatsgreep-turkije/article-normal-776943.html