OTTAWA – Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Foreign Affairs Minister Stephane Dion is urging calm in Turkey following the failed coup attempt Friday and advised Canadians not to travel to the country. Canadians in Turkey are asked to remain indoors.
In a statement released Saturday, Dion expressed relief that the coup attempt had failed, praising Turkey as “a strong partner and NATO ally.”
“We are relieved that democracy has been preserved and that the democratically elected government remains in power,” the statement read. “We are also encouraged by the gradual return to stability today.”
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Dion called for calm and peace from both sides in the conflict.
“Going forward, Canada calls on all parties in Turkey to refrain from further violence and derogation from the rule of law.
“Fundamental human rights such as due process must be allowed to prevail against those who have attempted to subvert Turkish democracy through force of arms.”
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau issued a statement late Friday expressing concern about the uprising by members of Turkey’s military.
“We call for restraint by all parties,” Trudeau’s statement said. “Canada supports the preservation of Turkish democracy, and condemns any attempt to subvert Turkey’s democratic institutions by force of arms.
Echoing Trudeau’s statement, Dion said Canadians should avoid travelling to Turkey and those in the country are asked to remain indoors.
“As the situation in Turkey continues to be fluid, and despite reports that the security situation is improving, Canadians in Turkey should shelter in place, limit their movements and avoid crowds and public gatherings,” Dion’s statement read.
Canadian citizens in Turkey requiring emergency consular assistance are told contact one of the following:
- the Canadian embassy in Ankara, by phone at 90 (312) 409-2700. The embassy is currently closed, but calls will be re-directed to Ottawa, where there is support 24/7 and liaison with consular support in Turkey;
- the Canadian consulate in Istanbul, by phone at 90 (212) 385-9700. The consulate is currently closed, but calls will be re-directed to Ottawa, where there is support 24/7 and liaison with consular support in Turkey;
- Global Affairs Canada’s Emergency Watch and Response Centre, by calling toll-free from within Turkey at 00800-14-220-0149 (please note this number does not work for all mobile phones);
- the Emergency Watch and Response Centre, at +1-613-996-8885 (collect calls accepted where available);
- Global Affairs Canada, by email atsos@international.gc.ca.
Canadian citizens needing consular assistance may also contact Global Affairs Canada’s Emergency Watch and Response Centre online by completing the emergency contact form.
Friends and relatives in Canada of Canadian citizens known to be in Turkey should contact Global Affairs Canada’s 24/7 Emergency Watch and Response Centre by calling +1 613 996 8885 or +1 800 387 3124, or by sending an email to sos@international.gc.ca.
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