We noted with regret the statements of Mr. Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, in an interview to Reuters on 10 August 2016 about the terrorist coup attempt of 15 July 2016 in Turkey.

Instead of condemning the terrorists who attempted to stage a bloody coup, the High Commissioner Zeid's confining himself to the mere statement that he had no sympathy with them is regrettable, to say the least, for a UN official in a position supposed to safeguard the universal human rights. It is unacceptable under any circumstances that the High Commissioner Zeid accuses a country, which is in a close cooperation with the UN in the field of human rights, based upon allegations of certain circles or assumptions and even uses a metaphor for the accusation such as “thirst for revenge”. It is also clear that this does not comply with the founding principles and values of the UN.

It is known by all that the fundamental rights and freedoms, the principles of the rule of law and our international obligations are duly respected and observed in all measures taken after the bloody terrorist coup attempt in Turkey.

Our invitation extended to the High Commissioner Zeid repeated at various times to visit Turkey is still on the table.

Turkey, as a responsible member of the international community, will maintain its comprehensive cooperation with the UN on the basis of constructive dialogue, as it has always been the case.