UN chief voices concern over Turkey situation

United Nations: UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon voiced his concern over Turkey situation but said that he trusts the government and people of Turkey will transform this moment of uncertainty into a moment of unity.

When speaking over the phone with Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, the secretary-general "expressed his concern over the extent of the recent governmental decree regarding the implementation of the state of emergency, which enlists a number of measures restricting the full exercise of individual rights," Farhan Haq, the deputy UN spokesman, said at a daily news briefing here on Wednesday, Xinhua news agency reported.

Last week, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan declared state of emergency for three months following a failed coup attempt on July 15, which was crushed the next day.

At least 290 people, including more than 100 "coup plotters," were killed, authorities said.

Ban welcomed the announced release of 1,200 military detainees, but also noted worrying reports of mistreatment and abuse of some of those who are still in custody and their detention conditions, the spokesman said.

The UN chief also underscored his deep concern about the scope of continuing widespread arrests, detentions and suspensions, which reportedly cover many segments of Turkish society and government institutions, Haq said.

"Heartened by the government and opposition rallying around upholding the republic, the secretary-general trusts that the Government and people of Turkey will transform this moment of uncertainty into a moment of unity, preserving Turkey's democracy," he added.