Obama reiterates support for Turkish government, urges rule of law

Urges all parties involved to avoid destabilizing behavior

WASHINGTON: President Barack Obama repeated his support for the "democratically-elected, civilian" government of Turkey on Saturday and urged all parties involved in the events there to avoid destabilizing behavior, the White House said.

"The president and his team lamented the loss of life and registered the vital need for all parties in Turkey to act within the rule of law and to avoid actions that would lead to further violence or instability," the White House said in a statement about Obama's discussion with his national security team about Turkey.



Earlier, the United States called on all parties in Turkey to support President Tayyip Erdogan’s government against a coup attempt as world leaders expressed concern about the upheaval in a NATO member country that bridges Europe and the Middle East.



President Barack Obama and Secretary of State John Kerry spoke by phone and gave their support to Erdogan after Turkey’s military said it had seized power on Friday. By early Saturday, Erdogan appeared to have regained control.