Statement on situation in Turkey

The Slovak Presidency of the Council of the EU follows the events in Turkey with serious concern and coordinates its response with EU partners.

Throughout evening and night, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Miroslav Lajčák has been in intensive contacts with EU High Representative for Foreign Policy Federica Mogherini i, other European counterparts as well as with partners in the Turkish Government to clarify the situation in Turkey and agree steps that the EU should take to preserve and sustain democracy and stability in the country.

The result of these contacts is a joint EU statement on the situation in Turkey stating: Turkey is a key partner for the European Union. The EU fully supports the democratically elected government, the institutions of the country and the rule of law. We call for a swift return to Turkey's constitutional order.