Intricacies of Feto establishments

With reference to the column “Turkish ‘terrorists’ in our midst” by Randy David (Opinion, 7/16/17), we would like to clarify the following:

Unfortunately, the author’s advocative remarks in reference to Fethullah Gülen Terrorist Organization-affiliated structures in the Philippines, Turkey and elsewhere brings to mind his apparent misconception about Feto in general and extensions of its international network beyond the frontiers of mainland Turkey, perhaps in part due to their concealment tactics under politically correct and attractive banners such as “inter-faith dialogue, harmony and peace in diversity, secular, modern and advanced education,” etc.

The criminal activities judicially attributed to Feto are not limited to but culminate in the July 15, 2016 coup attempt in Turkey. For instance, murdering of an academician researching Feto in 2002, bombing of a bookstore in eastern Turkey in 2005, killing of a prominent journalist in 2007, forged trials based on fake evidence to eliminate Feto opponents within the state and media between 2006 and 2013, cheating at the public service entrance examination to ensure employment of Feto disciples in the public service are just a few examples which demonstrate the criminal face of Feto.

Feto disciples — on the surface — pretend to have tolerant, innocent, pleasing and apparently modern postures promoting moderate Islam outwardly, because their objective is to turn that country into a solid base to further foster the organization’s political, social and financial capabilities by procuring influential alliances through effective networks in political, bureaucratic, media and academic circles.

In fact, the author’s description of Feto-affiliated persons does indeed confirm and conform to our forgoing description as to their outward misleading appearance.

Furthermore, the author utters conclusive comments on his observations and impressions as regard Turkish politics and Feto’s establishments during his past visit to Turkey. Nevertheless, it would be underestimating or oversimplifying the matter if the socio-political dynamics of Turkey and the intricacies of Feto’s establishments as part of it could be comprehended objectively merely in the course of a short-term visit sponsored by Feto-affiliated formations.

We sincerely hope that the foregoing clarification would replace any misconceptions on Feto and its affiliated structures.

VURAL GÖKTAS third secretary, Embassy of the Republic of Turkey