We reject the statement by the Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Egypt on 24 September 2019, which is full of lies and slander and crosses the line by targeting Turkey and H.E. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

Criticism of Turkish democracy by those who seized power through a coup d'etat is tragicomic in itself.

Turkey, as a responsible member of the international community, calls for ending the widespread and systematic human rights violations and for addressing the Egyptian people’s legitimate demands for democracy, justice, equality, freedom, accountability and prosperity. The unconscionable practices in prisons in Egypt and politically motivated trials are well known by the international community. These practices are also subject to criticism by various international organizations.

Instead of responding to calls and recommendations made with good intentions, the Egyptian government prefers once again to adopt an aggressive attitude to deny the human rights violations and to ignore Egyptian people’s legitimate demands.

Egypt’s attempts to target Turkey, which has a leading role and experience in the fight against terrorism, is obviously another reflection of Egypt’s aggressive behavior. In addition to FETO, Turkey has been countering terrorist organizations in all its forms and manifestations, such as PKK/YPG, Al Qaeda and DAESH for many years. Turkey’s combat against the transboundary terrorism threat, particularly in Syria, is contributing to the territorial integrity of its neighbors and the security and peace of the region.

As clearly seen in the statement, support of those who come to power through a coup d’etat to other coup plotters is not surprising at all.

In fact, this statement is nothing but another reflection of the oppressive and tyrannical character of the government of Egypt.

Turkey will maintain her principled stance for peace and prosperity of the brotherly Egyptian people and continue to express her opinions regarding the restoration of democracy and establishment of rights and freedoms in Egypt.