Obama: All parties in Turkey should support the democratically elected government

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama is urging all parties in Turkey to support the democratically elected government of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.


He's urging them to show restraint and avoid any violence or bloodshed amid a military takeover of the key NATO ally.

The White House says Obama and Secretary of State John Kerry consulted by phone Friday night after the stunning turn of events.

Kerry, who was traveling in Moscow, underscored that the State Department will focus on keeping U.S. citizens in Turkey safe and secure.