Turkish FM recalls 300 diplomats because of ties to Gulen

The Turkish Foreign Ministry has recalled 300 diplomats as part of ongoing investigations into possible affiliation to the network of US-based opposition leader Fethullah Gulen, who has masterminded a recent failed coup attempt.

Diplomatic sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, said on Sunday that envoys found to have had connections with 75-year-old Gulen will be dismissed from their posts, while those found innocent will return to work.

The report comes as Turkish authorities arrested Gurcan Balik  who served as the chief advisor to former Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu during the latter’s time as foreign minister, on August 18 and was linked to the Gulen movement.