Turkey hopes all FETO institutions worldwide be closed

Turkey expects closure of all worldwide schools and institutions linked to Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO), the country’s foreign minister said.

Speaking to Anadolu Agency, Mevlut Cavusoglu said at least 30 countries have so far closed FETO-linked schools and other institutions.

"We will have some positive results from Latin America, Africa and Southeast Asia (about closure of FETO institutions) in upcoming days," Cavusoglu said.

The Turkish minister reminded that Turkey vowed to make a global fight against FETO after the defeated coup of July 15.

FETO and its U.S.-based leader Fetullah Gulen orchestrated the defeated coup of July 15, 2016, which left 251 people martyred and nearly 2,200 injured.

Ankara also accuses FETO of being behind a long-running campaign to overthrow the state through the infiltration of Turkish institutions, particularly the military, police, and judiciary.

"At least 30 countries have shut down FETO schools, institutions and associations so far and Turkey's Maarif Foundation took over these schools in almost 20 countries," he added.

Turkey established the Maarif Foundation (TMF) in 2016 after a coup attempt to take over the administration of overseas schools linked to FETO. It also establishes schools and education centers abroad.

Separately, Cavusoglu said Turkey has also prioritized to bring back FETO fugitives to Turkey.

The Turkish foreign minister said they have warned Balkan countries against the terror group’s “serious threats.”

"We said that FETO is obviously very strong in Albania and has influence in the Albanian politics. It's the same in Kosovo. The Maarif Foundation took over a university in Albania and hopefully we will establish a new campus and a university in Kosovo," he said.

Turkey expects a strong government in Iraq

Separately, Cavusoglu said Turkey hopes a strong government would be formed in Iraq following elections there.

“Iraq’s reconstruction is important. We (Turkey) are the most generous country. We pledged $5 billion loan[for Iraq]. Our firms will benefit from this money with investment, trade and by undertaking projects [there]," he said, adding Iraq should continue the fight against terror.

"Now, as NATO, we will train Iraqi security forces," he said, adding a senior army officer would be contributing in the mission.

"Our activity will boost the capacity of the Iraqi security forces. Daesh is still in the region. The fight against PKK is also important," Cavusoglu said.

In its more than 30-year terror campaign against Turkey, the PKK -- listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S. and the EU -- has been responsible for the deaths of some 40,000 people, including women and children.

The foreign minister said the cooperation of Iraqi central management and Kurdish Regional Government (KRG) with Turkey is “important.”

Cavusoglu said Turkey wants to re-open Turkish consulates in Iraqi cities of Mosul and Basra, as well as in Kirkuk.

Turkish-Israel relations

Cavusoglu also talked about strained relations between Turkey and Israel and said the latter will have to take steps to normalize ties.

In December, U.S. President Donald Trump triggered world outcry after unveiling plans to move the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem and declare the city as the capital of Israel and vowed to relocate Washington's embassy to the city.

The embassy relocation coincides with the 70th anniversary of Israel’s establishment in 1948 -- an event Palestinians refer to as the “Nakba” or the “The Catastrophe”.

In mid-May, Turkey has recalled ambassadors in Israeli city Tel Aviv and Washington for consultations in mid-May.

Jerusalem remains at the heart of the Middle East conflict, with Palestinians hoping that East Jerusalem -- occupied by Israel since 1967 -- might eventually serve as the capital of an independent Palestinian state.

"Unfortunately Israel continues illegal settlements [...] The U.S. decision unfortunately encouraged Israel in this regard," the Turkish foreign minister said.

Turkey will continue to support Palestine on this issue, he added.