(VOVworld) - US State Department spokesman Mark Toner said on Tuesday that Turkey has formally requested the extradition of US-based Turkish cleric Fethullah Gulen, but not on issues related to last month’s coup attempt in Turkey.

US State Department spokesman Mark Toner. (Photo: The Guardian/VNA)

US authorities confirmed that they have received a number of Turkish extradition requests for Gulen. The Turkish Justice Minister said this case would harm bilateral relations if US rejected Turkey’s demand. However, the US insisted that the cleric will only be extradited following legal procedures in accordance with relevant legislature and treaties.