Turkish Foreign Ministry backs Ambassador in iftar scandal

AKIPRESS.COM - Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hami Aksoy, commenting the iftar scandal involving Turkish Ambassador, said in a statement that the reaction of the diplomat was rightful.
"It is unacceptable that leading FETO [Fetullah Terrorist Organization] members in Kyrgyzstan were invited to an iftar dinner organised by the Office of the Grand Mufti of Kyrgyzstan on the 8th of May. In fact, our Ambassador to Bishkek became aware of the situation and reacted rightfully," the statement of the Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesperson said. Fight against FETO presence in the world is among the "main priorities" of Turkey, he said.
"We have persistently explained the threat posed by this terrorist organisation to our counterparts in countries where FETO is present, on many occasions. We expect not only the official authorities of friendly countries but also their national institutions to adopt a sensitive approach vis-à-vis this matter," the spokesman said.
Ambassador of Turkey to Kyrgyzstan Cengiz Kamil Firat criticized the Mufti of Kyrgyzstan Maksatbek Toktomushev at the iftar (evening meal during the Ramadan fast) on May 8 for inviting the ex-head of the Sapat chain of school Orhan Inan to the event and left it. In the video circulating online, the Ambassador is seen leaving the event with words "choose, either Turkey or a terrorist organization." Ambassador also reminded that Turkey built Kyrgyzstan a mosque worth $35 million.
Sapat chain of schools was founded in Kyrgyzstan in 1992 under the name Sebat. The founder of the schools is reported to be Turkish preacher Fethullah Gulen, who is blamed by Ankara of failed July 2016 coup attempt and terrorism.
In 2017, Kyrgyz-Turkish lyceums Sebat were renamed into Sapat and the Ministry of Education of Kyrgyzstan became their founder.