US shows support for Turkish government amid coup attempt

By Esra Kaymak Avci

WASHINGTON (AA) - The U.S. administration said Friday "all parties in Turkey should support the democratically-elected government of Turkey, show restraint, and avoid any violence or bloodshed," according to a White House statement.

U.S. President Barack Obama and Secretary of State John Kerry discussed the ongoing coup attempt in Turkey by telephone.

"The President asked the Secretary to continue to keep him updated as the situation unfolds," the statement said.

On the other hand, Kerry said in another statement released by the State Department that he spoke with the Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu on phone over the incident.

According to the statement, Kerry "emphasized the United States’ absolute support for Turkey’s democratically-elected, civilian government and democratic institutions."

He also added that the U.S. "views with gravest concern events unfolding in Turkey" and described the situation as "very fluid."

The response came hours after a group within the Turkish military took illegal action outside chain of command in an attempted coup, according to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Erdogan said there had not been any attempt against him and the Turkish presidency has said the president is at a secure location.