U.S. President Barack Obama on Friday called on all parties in Turkey to support the democratically-elected government, show restraint, and avoid any violence or bloodshed.

A military statement carried by Turkish media said Friday that the Turkish armed forces have fully seized power in the country, but President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said early Saturday that the coup attempt has failed, urging people to take to the streets to protect democracy.

Obama discussed the situation by phone with Secretary of State John Kerry, who is in Moscow, and asked Kerry to continue to keep him updated as the situation unfolds.

Kerry underscored that the U.S. State Department will continue to focus on the safety and security of U.S. citizens in Turkey.

The State Department on Friday advised its citizens in Turkey shelter in place and not attempt to go to the U.S. Embassy or consulates amid an ongoing military coup.

Source:
courtesy of XINHUA NEWS AGENCY

by Xinhua News Agency

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