Statement by Minister Dion on evolving situation in Turkey
News Release
July 16, 2016 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada
The Honourable Stéphane Dion, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today issued the following statement regarding recent events in Turkey:
“I spoke to my Turkish counterpart, Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, earlier and commended the people of Turkey for defending their democracy and civilian rule.
“We are relieved that democracy has been preserved and that the democratically elected government remains in power. We are also encouraged by the gradual return to stability today.
“We stand with Turkey, a strong partner and NATO ally, as it recovers from these unsettling events. We are confident that the government and the people of Turkey will persevere against these challenges in an orderly and peaceful manner.
“We offer our deepest condolences to the families and friends of those killed during the events of last night and wish a speedy recovery to those injured.
“Canada condemns any effort to overthrow a democratically elected government by force of arms. We urge the government of Turkey to call for restraint and to oppose all acts of violence.
“We also urge calm and for peace to be returned to the streets and to the people of Turkey. It is also a time for reflection. We urge all parties to continue to uphold and reinforce our shared democratic principles, including respect for democratic institutions, human rights and the rule of law. Going forward, Canada calls on all parties in Turkey to refrain from further violence and derogation from the rule of law. Fundamental human rights such as due process must be allowed to prevail against those who have attempted to subvert Turkish democracy through force of arms.
“Immediately upon hearing of developments last night, Global Affairs Canada sent out instructions to remain indoors to all Canadian citizens in Turkey registered with the Government of Canada’s Registration of Canadians Abroad service and issued an advisory urging Canadians to avoid all travel to Turkey. At the same time, Global Affairs Canada staff did their utmost to reach out to other Canadian citizens who were not registered.
“We were in contact with our ambassador in Ankara and consul general in Istanbul throughout the night from Friday to Saturday. Since the events began to unfold, we have received more than 600 enquiries from Canadians either in Turkey or with family in Turkey, and have provided them with instructions and reassurance.
“As the situation in Turkey continues to be fluid, and despite reports that the security situation is improving, Canadians in Turkey should shelter in place, limit their movements and avoid crowds and public gatherings.”
Emergency consular assistance
Canadian citizens in Turkey requiring emergency consular assistance should contact one of the following:
- the Canadian embassy in Ankara, by phone at 90 (312) 409-2700. The embassy is currently closed, but calls will be re-directed to Ottawa, where there is support 24/7 and liaison with consular support in Turkey;
- the Canadian consulate in Istanbul, by phone at 90 (212) 385-9700. The consulate is currently closed, but calls will be re-directed to Ottawa, where there is support 24/7 and liaison with consular support in Turkey;
- Global Affairs Canada’s Emergency Watch and Response Centre, by calling toll-free from within Turkey at 00800-14-220-0149 (please note this number does not work for all mobile phones);
- the Emergency Watch and Response Centre, at +1-613-996-8885 (collect calls accepted where available);
- Global Affairs Canada, by email at sos@international.gc.ca.
Canadian citizens needing consular assistance may also contact Global Affairs Canada’s Emergency Watch and Response Centre online by completing the emergency contact form.
Friends and relatives in Canada of Canadian citizens known to be in Turkey should contact Global Affairs Canada’s 24/7 Emergency Watch and Response Centre by calling +1 613 996 8885 or +1 800 387 3124, or by sending an email to sos@international.gc.ca.
Contacts
Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
343-203-7700
media@international.gc.ca
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