Turkey strongly condemns coup attempt in Ethiopia

By Fatma Esma Arslan

ANKARA (AA) - Turkey strongly condemned Sunday's coup attempt against the Amhara regional government in Ethiopia.

"We are deeply saddened with the passing away of the Chief of General Staff of Ethiopia as a result of an attack carried out in Addis Ababa, linked with this coup attempt," said Turkish foreign ministry in a statement.

Gen. Seare Mekonnen was shot dead at his residence in Addis Ababa by his own guard.

In Amhara, a group of armed men opened fire at a top level meeting killing regional governor Ambachew Mekonnen and his advisor Izes Wase.

The ministry conveyed "condolences to the friendly people and the Government of Ethiopia".

The statement also stressed that Turkey is against all attempts to unlawfully change elected governments and expressed support to Ethiopia in the wake of coup attempt.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said on Sunday that the killers have been arrested and an investigation has been launched.

He said the coup was orchestrated by Brig. Gen. Asaminew Tsige, who is the chief of the regional security bureau. Asaminew was one the many political prisoners given amnesty after the coming to power of Abiy in April last year.