By Carol Morello July 18 at 9:49 AM

BRUSSELS — The United States and Europe pressed Turkey on Monday to follow the rule of law and maintain democratic principles despite a crackdown after an attempted coup.
European Union foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini suggested that Turkey’s bid for E.U. membership could be at stake if it reinstates the death penalty against coup plotters.

“No country can become a partner state if it introduces the death penalty,” she told reporters.” That is key.”

Secretary of State John F. Kerry followed her warning, saying NATO will be scrutinizing Turkey in coming days to ensure that it fulfills the alliance's requirement that members adhere to democratic governance. “NATO also has a requirement with respect to democracy,” Kerry said.

Kerry said Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu has repeatedly assured him that the government will respect democracy and the law, and he warned that NATO will “measure” Turkey’s actions.

“Obviously, a lot of people have been arrested and arrested very quickly,” Kerry said. “The level of vigilance and scrutiny is obviously going to be significant in the days ahead. Hopefully we can work in a constructive way that prevents a backsliding.”

While NATO will be watching the Turkish government’s actions carefully, State Department spokesman John Kirby said, “it's too soon to say that their membership is at risk.”
Governments are balancing support for the democratically elected government of Turkey against a military coup with growing concern that it is using the attempted overthrow to crack down in undemocratic ways.

“We expect the government will live up to the democratic principles enshrined in its constitution,” Kirby said. “International institutions like the E.U. and NATO will certainly be watching as events unfold because there are democratic responsibilities that come with membership.”

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/ker...c5b1_story.html


The "civilized" world's answer????

Erdogan wants one person's head more than all the others and sKerry says if given the right evidence, he will consider extradicting that person. I know I wouldn't want my fate in JF sKerry's hands! TM

snip

"Following a breakfast meeting with the E.U. diplomats, Kerry said the United States still has received no formal request for the extradition of Fethullah Gulen, a Turkish cleric residing in the United States whom Erdogan has publicly blamed for the attempted coup.

As he stated over the weekend, Kerry said the United States would consider a formal request but that it must meet U.S. legal standards. On Monday, Kerry explicitly said Turkey must send “evidence,” not allegations.

“What we need is genuine evidence that withstands the standard of scrutiny that exists in many countries,” he said.

“And if it meets that standard, there’s no interest we have of standing in the way of appropriately honoring the treaty we have with Turkey with respect to extradition.

We’ve never had such request. We’ve never had such evidence. We’re doing nothing whatsoever to stand in way of legitimate process which respects the treaty.”

snip

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/ker...c5b1_story.html