New US gov't is 'sensitive' over Gülen's extradition: Turkish PM

The new U.S. administration seems to be more indulgent and sensitive over the extradition of Fethullah Gülen, who is believed to be behind the July 15 coup attempt, Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yıldırım said Feb. 21, adding that discussions with U.S. officials were continuing.  

"As for FETÖ [Fethullahist Terror Organization] we are continuing our negotiations with U.S. authorities on the extradition, and see that the new administration will be more indulgent and sensitive in this regard," Yıldırım told his party members in parliament. 

"No matter what the condition is, FETÖ will come and pay the price," Yıldırım said, referring to Gülen, who has lived in Pennsylvania for the past 17 years in self-imposed exile. 

Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmuş also emphasized on the importance of bilateral relations with the U.S. concerning the extradition of Gülen. 

His words came after U.S. Republican Senator John McCain's meeting with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Yıldırım on Feb. 20. Kurtulmuş said the meeting should be interpreted in a positive light.   

"It also signals that some disagreements with the U.S., especially on Syria, have begun to be resolved, and some agreements that will pave the way for positive steps to be taken against FETÖ will be formed," he said. 

Turkey has submitted further documents to the U.S. Justice Department to back its previous request for the extradition.