Muscat on attempted Turkey coup: 'Democratically-elected institutions must be respected'

Maltese nationals living in Turkey have been warned to stay inside and to “exercise caution if in the vicinity of any military or security forces”.

The Maltese government issued a travel warning in the early hours of Saturday morning as news unfolded of an attempted military coup in Turkey.

The Maltese nationals were also advised to let their relatives in Malta know that they are safe and to “monitor the press for updates and indication of areas of conflict”.

Latest reports from Turkey say that shots have been heard in Ankara and both bridges in Istanbul, Bosphorous and faith Sultan Mehmet are closed, the Ministry for Foreign Affaris said, adding that explosions were also reported near the parliament building in Ankara.

“The Ministry for Foreign Affairs informs that due to this latest situation in Turkey travel to this country should be avoided at this time,” the Ministry said.

There should be no doubt that one has to fully respect democratically-elected institutions. #EU position on #Turkey is very clear -JM

— Joseph Muscat (@JosephMuscat_JM) July 16, 2016

Malta has also voiced its support to the European Union’s position, agreeing that Turkey’s demoratic institutions must be respected.

Prime Minister Joseph Muscat is currently in Ulaanbaatar in Mongolia for the Asia-Europe summit, where European leaders held informal talks before the EU issued its position on the situation.

.@JosephMuscat_JM discussing #Turkey situation with #EU leaders. Clear European position taken. pic.twitter.com/pUOuz9WIFy

— Kurt Farrugia (@KurtFarrugia) July 16, 2016

Foreign Affairs Minister George Vella, in Mongolia with Muscat, attended an urgent meeting of EU foreign ministers conveyed by EU foreign policy chief, Federica Mogherini.

The meeting set to assess the situation in Turkey and coordinate political messages and support to European Union's citizens in Turkey. Expressing support to the democratic institutions of the country, the EU condemned the use of violence against them.

The ministers agreed that any escalation of violence involving civilians has to be avoided.

The ministers will meet again in Brussels for the Foreign Affairs Council, and will discuss again the situation in Turkey at that occasion.

The HRVP spoke with Turkish Foreign minister, Mevlut Cavusoglu, and has been in contact in these hours with other Foreign ministers and with NATO Secretary General, Jens Stoltenberg.

The United States has meanwhile said that all parties in Turkey should support the "democratically elected" government.

The US urged all sides to "show restraint and avoid any violence or bloodshed" in Turkey - a key ally and a strategically important member of the coalition fighting so-called Islamic State.

United Nations' Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has appealed for calm, a UN spokesman said.

"The Secretary-General is closely following developments in Turkey. He is aware of the reports of a coup attempt in the country.

"The United Nations is seeking to clarify the situation on the ground and appeals for calm," spokesman Farhan Haq said.

The Ministry for Foreign Affairs has set up a crisis centre which can be contacted on Freephone 80072203 (for local calls) and +356 21242191 /+356 22042200.