The Turkish Embassy in Tripoli marked on Monday Democracy and National Unity Day that marks the 3rd anniversary of July 15 failed coup attempt by US-based leader Fethullah Gülen Organization (FETÖ).

Turkish citizens and Libyan guests attended the ceremony including Turkish Ambassador in Tripoli Serhat Aksen, President of the High Council of State Khaled Al-Mishri, Vice President of the Presidential Council Abdul-Salam Kajman and member of the Presidential Council Mohamed Zayed.

Ambassador Aksen said in a speech that the coup attempt of July 15 was foiled by the national unity and bravery of the Turkish people.

“The Libyan people and the Government of National Accord stood by Turkey in the face of the July 15 coup attempt and expressed their supports through messages and prayers.” He recalls.

Ambassador Aksen also indicated that Libya had taken necessary steps to crack down on FETÖ by closing a school affiliated with the group, emphasizing the solid brotherly relationship between Turkey and Libya even in difficult times.

“Turkey will continue to stand by the people of Libya and its internationally recognized legitimate Government of National Accord.” He reiterated.

For his part, President of the High Council of State Khaled Al-Mishri drew, in his speech, similarities between July 15 coup attempt and military aggression by warlord Khalifa Haftar on Tripoli.

In his speech, Mohamed Zayed stressed that Libyan people are fighting against the hostilities of warlord Khalifa Haftar with the same spirit that Turkish people showed on July 15, 2016, against the coup attempt. He also thanked for the support extended by Turkey and its President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to the only legitimate executive authority in Libya - the Government of National Accord, in the face of Haftar’s attempt to reinstall military dictatorship in Libya.

On July 15, 2016, Coup plotters of FETÖ attempted to usurp power using heavy weaponry, including fighter jets, helicopters and tanks, against pro-democracy people that poured onto streets, killing 251 people and wounding more than 2,200.