Within hours of the start of an apparent military coup in Turkey, officials from around the world had begun issuing statements – with most calling for calm and respect for the democratically elected government.
in Canada, Foreign Affairs Minister Stéphane Dion tweeted that the situation, which was still very much in flux as of 8:30 p.m. ET, had him “very concerned.”
“Urging calm, order, safety of all people in Turkey.”
Dion’s office is also encouraging any Canadians in Turkey to remain indoors and monitor local media for updates. Consular assistance can be requested by calling 00800-14-220-0149. A statement from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was expected later in the evening.
In the United States, Secretary of State John Kerry issued a statement expressing “gravest concern” and reiterating America’s “absolute support for Turkey’s democratically elected, civilian government and democratic institutions.”
Like their Canadian neighbours, U.S. citizens in Turkey are being told to “shelter in place.”
A spokesperson for German Chancellor Angela Merkel told the Associated Press that “democratic order” must be respected in Turkey.
“Everything must be done to protect human lives,” the spokesperson said.
At approximately 9 p.m ET, early Saturday morning in Turkey, a plane believed to be carrying Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan landed at the airport in Istanbul.
New British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said the U.K.’s Turkish embassy was monitoring the situation closely.
Australian Foreign Affairs Minister Julie Bishop issued a statement calling the situation “highly fluid.”
“Our priority is the safety of Australian citizens in Turkey,” Bishop wrote.
There were reports of Turkish soldiers entering the building housing the state broadcaster, and of several explosions at the Turkish Parliament buildings.
As the crisis unfolds, access to popular social media sites like Twitter and Facebook has reportedly been blocked.