India closely monitoring Turkey situation

New Delhi, July 16 (IANS) The Ministry of External Affairs on Saturday announced that India was closely monitoring the situation in Turkey following reports of an attempted coup.

“We have been closely following the developments in Turkey,” the ministry said in a statement.

“India calls upon all sides to support democracy and mandate of the ballot, and avoid bloodshed,” it added.

At least 42 were killed in clashes after tanks opened fire around the Turkish parliament building in Ankara and military jets were seen flying low over the city as the military claimed it had seized control of the country late Friday night.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, addressing via Facetime, asserted he was still President and vowed to crush the people responsible for the coup.

In his latest address from Istabul on Satuurday morning, Erdogen said the coup was over.

However, situation in Ankara and Istanbul still remained unclear.