Turkey urges U.S. Attorney General Sessions to extradite Gulen

Turkish Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag on Thursday called on the newly installed U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions to extradite cleric Fetullah Gulen, whom Ankara blames for the last year's failed coup attempt.

Bozdag said returning Pennsylvania-based Gulen, has lived in the U.S. since 1999, to Turkey would "contribute greatly to developing bilateral relations between the two countries," reports Anadolu news agency.

In a letter to Sessions, Bozdag said: "I sincerely believe that you will deservedly fulfil this duty with your deep professional experience and distinguished career in law and that friendly relations between our countries will continue during your term."

"According to bilateral agreements between us, finalizing the process of provisional arrest and extradition quickly and positively is important.

Therefore, I would like to state that our sincere cooperation against all kinds of terror threat to our countries will improve our current bilateral relations," added the letter.

In addition to the attempted coup, Turkey also accuses Gulen of being behind a long-running campaign to overthrow the state through the infiltration of Turkish institutions.