US delegation in Ankara to discuss Gulen’s extradition

Ankara, Aug 23 (IANS) A US delegation of officials from the Justice and State Department arrived in Ankara on Monday to discuss developments following the failed coup, the local media reported.

The four US officials were expected to discuss with their Turkish counterparts on Tuesday and Wednesday the extradition of Fethullah Gulen, who is believed to have masterminded the failed July 15 coup attempt, Xinhua news agency reported.

Turkey Justice Ministry officials stated they would share with their US counterparts the extradition demand documents in addition to evidence indicating Gulen's direct involvement in the attempted coup.

Turkey sent a second request to the US for the arrest of Fethullah Gulen earlier in August.

Tensions brewed after Ankara expressed its discontent over lack of support from Washington in the wake of the failed coup.

Turkish Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag warned that the relationship between both countries could be negatively affected if Gulen was not extradited.

However, the US insists that the cleric would only be extradited following legal procedures according to relevant legislature and treaties.