OIC lists Gulen network as 'terror group'

ANKARA (AA) – The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on Wednesday listed a group linked to Turkey’s July 15 coup attempt as a terrorist organization, Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu confirmed.

"We thank the Organization of Islamic Cooperation over showing solidarity by understanding our sensitivities and declaring FETO as a terror group," Cavusoglu posted on his Twitter account and described the OIC move as a "milestone".

The OIC’s Parliamentary Union, meeting in the Uzbekistan capital Tashkent on Tuesday, denounced all forms of terrorism in a joint declaration.

The body issued a declaration following the meeting expressing its solidarity with Turkey in fighting terror.

Last week, foreign ministers of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states designated FETO a terrorist group and stressed their support for the Turkish government’s recent moves against the network.

Founded in 1969, the OIC, with a current membership of 57 states, is the second-largest inter-governmental organization after the UN and describes itself as “the collective voice of the Muslim world".

Turkey has been a member since 1969.

Led by Fetullah Gulen, FETO is accused of organizing the defeated coup as well as a long-running campaign to overthrow the state through the infiltration of Turkish institutions, particularly the military, police and judiciary.

Turkey has repeatedly asked the U.S. to extradite Fetullah Gulen, who has lived in self-imposed exile in Pennsylvania since 1999.