A Turkish deputy said Thursday that as of next February, with the new Trump administration in place, Turkey can discuss the extradition of Gülenist Terror Group (FETÖ) leader Fetullah Gülen from the U.S.
Speaking to Anadolu Agency correspondent in Rome, Taha Özhan, the head of parliament's External Affairs Commission, stated that while Turkey should continue to voice its expectations about Gülen's extradition for now, discussions can begin in earnest after around Jan. 20, when President-elect Donald Trump is inaugurated.
About Trump's surprise win, Özhan said, "Electing the U.S. president is an important event for Turkish-U.S. relations as well."
He added, "Talks on this issue [extradition] can be finalized once it's February. At this stage this expectation has to be voiced but the U.S. government transition has to go through. Because Trump is [now] president-elect. After Trump assumes his duties, this file [on Gülen] should certainly be sent to him".
Led by U.S.-based Gülen, FETÖ is accused of orchestrating the July 15 failed coup attempt, as well as being behind a long-running campaign to overthrow the state through the infiltration of Turkish institutions, particularly the military, police, and judiciary.
The July 15 defeated coup killed 246 people, including civilians and injured around 2,194 people.