Basbug: The adopted law would harm the hierarchical relations within Turkish Armed Forces

The alleged anti-government plot document was on the agenda of yesterday's National Security Council (MGK) meeting which lasted almost 8 hours. According to sources, Turkish General Staff Chief Gen. Ilker Basbug expressed his objection to the "midnight law" (on trial of military personnel by civilian courts) both at the Prime Ministry HQ after his meeting with Premier Recep Tayyip Erdogan and at Cankaya Presidential Palace following the MGK meeting.

During the talks he held with Erdogan, Basbug said that the recently adopted law would harm the hierarchical relations within Turkish Armed Forces (TSK). Meanwhile,Erdogan said that Basbug's objections were "worth assessing". Parties agreed that the discretionary authority regarding the law sent to Cankaya Palace for approval, should be left to President Abdullah Gul.

Source: Vatan (Turkey), July 1, 2009

Prosecutors conducting investigation under the "Ergenekon" probe have arrested Colonel Dursun Cicek

Prosecutors conducting investigation under the "Ergenekon" probe have arrested Colonel Dursun Cicek. A Turkish newspaper recently published a news article that Colonel Cicek was involved in the preparation of a document to end the "Justice and Development (AK) Party and the Fethullah Gulen Congregation". The Military Prosecutor's Office earlier released a statement that the said document was fake and that there was no need to press charges against Colonel Cicek.

The news about the arrest of Colonel Dursun Cicek caused tension during Tuesday's meeting of the Turkish National Security Council (MGK) in Ankara. The MGK discussed various issues, primarily the document believed to have been prepared to end the "Justice and Development (AK) Party and the Fethullah Gulen Congregation" as well as the legal arrangment that makes the trial of military personnel by civilian courts possible. Tuesday's MGK meeting lasted close to eight hours. "The MGK has expressed views and reactions to recent publications and remarks aiming to harm our state institutions, and reaffirmed that such acts will be no use to our country," a statement released at the end of the meeting said.

Source: Hurriyet (Turkey), July 1, 2009

Turkey hails Hariri's commitment for unity Lebanon govt

A new law may affect an ongoing investigation on the army

According to a recent news story of the Cumhuriyet newspaper, the new law which will pave the way for the trial of civilians only in civil courts can affect an ongoing investigation on the army.

The investigation started after a group of soldiers initiated fake orders on behalf of their commander. When their biographies were traced back, it was discovered that the soldiers were active members of Isikevis, which are gathering places for youngsters belonging to the Fethullah Gulen movement, in the previous years.

If the new law passes, then even if the military investigation finds out that the case is connected to Fethullah Gulen, the military public prosecutor will not be able to take any actions against him.

Source: cumhuriyet (Turkey), July 1, 2009

The Republican CHP leader Deniz Baykal, “Move your hands away from the Turkish Armed Forces”

The Republican CHP leader Deniz Baykal said that the law which will pave the way for the trial of civilians only at the civilian courts, was formulated without consulting with the National Defense Ministry or any other important bodies and that such an important change cannot made without letting anybody know about it. Baykal argued that the ruling party intends to deceive the Turkish nation.

Baykal stated that the nation does not like the military intervening in political affairs but it also disapproves the politicians who intrude in the affairs of the army or the media or the judicial bodies. Baykal said that the Turkish Prime Minister is trying to stir up the army and they call upon him to move his hands away from the Turkish armed forces.

Source: Cumhuriyet (Turkey), July 1, 2009

Turkish President Abdullah Gul Receives Honorary Doctorate from the Xinjang University

Turkish president Abdullah Gul who is in a official visit to China, became the first Turkish president ever to visit the Xinjang Uygur Autonomous Region where more than 9 million Uygur Turks reside. Gul received an honorary doctorate from the Xinjang University. Gul said that the Uygurs form a “bridge of friendship” between the Turks and the Chinese.

Gul said that the Turks were living in this region before 1500 years and although they moved towards the West, their good relations still persist.

Source: Milliyet (Turkey), June 30, 2009

US Central Command chief Gen. Petraeus arrived in Ankara

US Central Command chief Gen. David Petraeus arrived in Ankara on Tuesday to discuss issues such as northern Iraq, the terrorist PKK, and cooperation in Pakistan and Afghanistan. Petraeus is reportedly in Ankara in line with ongoing strategic meetings between Turkey and the US. Speaking about Petraeus' visit, US Ambassador to Ankara James Jeffrey yesterday said that there are no concrete plans for withdrawing US troops from Iraq through Turkish territory and that none were due to be discussed during Petraeus' visit.

Source: Cumhuriyet (Turkey), July 1, 2009

The removal of mines will be given to the NATO

The National Defense Ministry made a written statement regarding the removal of mines in the southeastern border with Syria. The Ministry announced that the mines will be removed by a four stage program and the job will be given to NAMSA which is an organization of NATO. The negotiations with NAMSA have already started.

Source: ntvmsnbc (Turkey), June 30, 2009

The Leader of Turkey Party: “The government in Turkey is disconnected from the people”

The leader of Turkey Party, Abdullatif Sener who left the ruling AKP and founded his own party, criticized the government in his latest speech. Sener said that the government in Turkey is disconnected from the people of the country. Sener also stated that the government did not take the necessary steps to overcome the crisis in the economy.

Sener further stated in his speech that there is no trust between the different institutions of the country and this prevents the resolution of problems. He also said that he supports the changes in the constitution regarding the trial of military personnel and thinks that the 1982 constitution is which was prepared during military coup d’etat period should be changed.

Source: haberturk, cnnturk (Turkey), June 30, 2009

The judge declines the trial of a Turkish journalist by the Prime Minister

A Turkish judge recently denied the trial of a Turkish journalist, Emin Colasan, who criticized the Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan in a TV program. The Prime Minister argued that the journalist insulted his personal rights and so sued him asking for 10 million Turkish liras compensation.

Source: ntvmsnbc (Turkey), June 30, 2009

The ruling AKP member: “CHP supporters act like Fascist General Franco supporters in Spain”

The ruling AKP members criticize the republican CHP for opposing the law which will end the trial of civilians in military courts and will pave the way for trying military personnel at the civil courts. Haluk Ozdalga, who is the head of the Environmental Commission in the parliament and who is a member of the ruling CHP, said that this law is one of the most important steps for democracy in Turkey.

Ozdalga argued that the republican CHP tries to prevent the strengthening of democracy in Turkey. He said that the CHP supporters are like the supporters of fascist dictator Franco who opposed the democratization reforms in Spain. Ozdalga said that he believes Turkey will complete its democratization process although there are people who oppose it like the CHP.

Source: ntvmsnbc (Turkey), June 30, 2009

The Republican CHP is getting ready to take another law to the Constitutional Court

The vice chairman of the republican CHP, Kemal Anadol, said that if the president does not veto the law that will allow the judgment of people from the military in civil courts, they will take the law to the constitutional court. CHP also stated that after the military coup d’etats, they started to be against the judgment of civil citizens in military courts. The change in the constitution should be made such that the military personnel will be judged in military courts and the civil citizens will be judged by civil courts.

The CHP members also said that it was not true that they agreed with the recent changes proposed by the ruling AKP. They stated that this was a lie told by the AKP.

Source: ntvmsnbc (Turkey), June 29, 2009

Prime Minister Erdogan: “We know that Baykal is the lawyer of the Ergenekon organization”

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan commented on the recent developments regarding the possible coup d’etat attempt towards the Gulen movement and his party. Erdogan said that they will never allow any anti-democratic attempts to achieve their goals. He stated that there are people who try to create conflict between different institutions of the state. Causing separation between the institutions will only harm the state and no one should do politics by hiding behind the soldiers.

The prime minister also accused the republican CHP leader Deniz Baykal for being the lawyer of the Ergenekon organization. Erdogan said that his party is the lawyer of the entire nation which sets it apart from other political parties. His party will continue to preserve democracy and laicism.

Source: Radikal, ntvmsnbc (Turkey), June 27, 2009

The Gulen movement increases its lobbying activities in the American congress

According to a recent news story by the Cumhuriyet newspaper, the Gulen movement has increased its lobbying activities in the American congress. The Gulen movement gives personal donations to the Congress members and organizes tours to Turkey for the advisors of important American parliament members. The movement makes propaganda of its own activities during the tours.

An American expert who was invited to attend such a visit to Turkey described his experiences. He said that during the visit they met with advisors and some politicians from the ruling AKP and they were taken to the Gulen schools.

Source: Cumhuriyet (Turkey), June 29, 2009

The Leader of the Kurdish DTP: “We want to be a bridge between the state and the PKK”

In a recent interview with the Cumhuriyet newspaper, the leader of the Kurdish DTP, Ahmet Turk, said that his party wants to create a common ground between the PKK and the state by influencing both of them. Turk said that there are 61 political parties in Turkey and 60 of them are against the PKK and it is hard to say that this contributes to the solution of the problem. Turk emphasized that they want to be a bridge between these different bodies.

Turk also said that when they declared that the guns should stop to solve the Kurdish issue, they did not refer to the army or the police. They never suggested that the army or the police should leave their arms but everyone should act sensitively regarding this issue.

Source: Cumhuriyet (Turkey), June 29, 2009

Coup Law tension

Justice and Development (AK) Party's midnight amendment aiming to limit the authority of military courts caused tension between the ruling and opposition parties.
Replying to the criticism directed by the main opposition party which earlier stated that "it was fooled", Premier Recep Tayyip Erdogan said, "Where was your mind? What is your responsibility?".
Republican People's Party (CHP) chairperson Deniz Baykal reacted harshly upon Erdogan's remarks. "There was aggravated fraud in Deniz Feneri case, now we are witnessing aggravated deception in the parliament," Baykal said.

Source: Vatan (Turkey), June 29, 2009

The writer of "Daughters of Allah" was Acquitted

The writer of the book "Daughters of Allah", Nedim Gursel, which was highly criticized by the Religious Affairs Directorate has recently been acquitted in a trial case opened by a reader Ali Emre Bukagili. The report against the writer had argued that the book was "insulting and sarcastic, humiliating Allah, its prophets, divine religions, worshipping, holy books and religious principles."

Source: Radikal (Turkey), June 25, 2009

Mine Law Taken to the Constitutional Court

The opposition presented its official statement of complaint to the Constitutional Court regarding the mine law which has recently passed from the parliament. It argues that the clauses on the removal of mines and leasing this land for agricultural purposes for 44 years are against the Turkish constitution.

The statement of complaint was signed by 195 members of parliament from the republican CHP, the nationalist MHP, the Kurdish DTP, leftist DSP and the Turkish Party.

Source: ntvmsnbc, habervaktim (Turkey), June 25, 2009

The opposition united to take the Mine Law to the Constitutional Court

The opposition political parties, the Republican CHP, the nationalist MHP and the Kurdish DTP has decided to unite and take the mine law which has recently been approved by the Turkish parliament to the Constitutional court for its cancellation.

The MHP officials said that they have decided to join CHP and continue their efforts to cancel the mine law outside parliament. They stated that although "national sensitivities" were ignored by the Turkish president, they expect the Constitutional court to react differently.

Source: Yeni Safak (Turkey), June 24, 2009

Recent amendment violates Constitution

Honorary Chief Prosecutor of the Supreme Court, Sabih Kanadoglu, said the recent amendment made in the Code of Criminal Procedures, aimed at restricting the powers of the military judiciary, was a violation of the constitution. Kanadoglu said a constitutional amendment was necessary to restrict the powers of the constitutional court.

Kanadoglu who pointed out that the amendment was made with last minute proposals, said it was not possible to justify it on the grounds that it was inline with "EU norms" . "The way the amendment was made, how it was rushed, is not well intended," said Kanadoglu.

Source: Cumhuriyet (Turkey), June 28, 2009

Erdogan comments on the 'plot'

Premier Recep Tayyip Erdogan who commented on the 'plot' said, "though a photocopy, there is a document at hand. The Military Prosecutor's Office gave decision of non-jurisdiction. The following process will be at the hand of the civilian courts."

Erdogan who pointed out that they would follow up on this issue to the end, said "when we seize the original document we will also bring that before the court. We will not allow democracy to be harmed."

Source: Turkiye (Turkey), June 27, 2009

Basbug calls it "Just a piece of paper"

Chief of Turkish General Staff Gen Basbug said "eradicating AK Party" document was aimed at wearing down the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) while only a few hours later the Ergenekon prosecutors summoned the Colonel who is said to have signed the document to bear testimony.

Gen. Ilker Basbug said the "plan to eradicate AK Party and Gulen congregation" was not a document but a mere piece of paper. He said certain organised conspiracies turned into a defamation campaign against TSK and regarded this campaign as an "asymmetric phycological war".

Basbug pointed out that a document which was seized in June 4th was serviced to a daily newspaper, adding that reports of the police and Gendarmerie leaked out. "I wonder if there is intention behind this?" asked Basbug.

A few hours after Basbug's statement, Col. Cicek Dursun whose signature is on the said document, was summoned by the Ergenekon prosecutors to bear testimony.

Source: Radikal (Turkey), June 27, 2009

Aksam: In Iran, lurking danger for Turkey

"There's one key actor that we should have a look at in order to understand the chaos in Iran and how the balances will change from now on. That actor is Washington. The protests in Tehran point to a new era which will have an impact on US policy and a large region including Turkey.

"Since its 1979 revolution, Iran has built its politics on opposing the 'great Satan' US. It has followed an anti-Western line and gradually grown more and more distant from Washington. But something has changed recently, namely Washington's rapprochement efforts. President Barack Obama is set to pursue a strategy of dialogue with Tehran as a key leg of his policy of peace with the Islamic world.

"Now Obama has the most difficult task ahead of him with the shifting balances, because he'll either seek dialogue with the Ahmedinejad government as he promised, or harden his policies harsher and break his promise. So far Obama hasn't taken a very tough stand favoring challenger Mir Hossain Mousavi, but tried to take a moderate stance. So criticisms of him in the US are getting sharper. Many Americans wonder why the US isn't protesting the election results as much as Europe. For the US, the most important point on Iran is its nuclear program. So the critical point for Obama in deciding his next policy move is what Iran does with in its nuclear program.

"In light of the current picture, Ahmedinejad isn't likely to soften his stance. On the contrary, he's getting harsher to bolster his legitimacy. As we've been seeing for two days, Iran is gradually retreating into itself. If things go on like this, the embargo against Iran might be made tighter. If this happens, I would pity Turkey! Because in that case the UN Security Council will also intervene and everybody will begin to look at Turkey (which now has a temporary seat on the council). I wonder if Ankara is getting ready for this possibility.

"For example, what would happen if Turkey is asked to sign onto an oil embargo on Iran? If we rejected it, we would face a great pressure from the UN, mostly the US and the European Union, and suffer problems in relations with the West. If we accept it, this would make our relations with Iran difficult and put us in a tough spot in the region. In evaluating the new situation in Iran, it would be useful to consider this side of the issue which extends to the UN and concerns Turkey, starting from Washington."

Source: Aksam (Turkey), Op-Ed by Nagehan Alci, June 24, 2009

Mandate of Turkish troops in Lebanon extended for another year

Parliament passed a motion yesterday to authorize the government to extend the mandate of Turkish troops under the banner of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) for another year as of September 5. Addressing Parliament before the vote on the motion, Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu said the Turkish troops serving Lebanon are fulfilling Turkey's historical obligations. "Peace in Lebanon is an area of responsibility for Turkey as a result of its historical obligations and zones of influence," he said, adding that it's also part of fundamental Turkish foreign policy principles and Turkey's stance toward the Middle East. "The basic goal of Turkish foreign policy is to put Turkey among major global and regional actors that make significant contributions," Davutoglu said. The UN Security Council resolution is expected to extend UNIFIL's mandate in August.

Source: Cumhuriyet (Turkey), June 24, 2009

Radikal: Iran and Iraq concern us closely

"When I spoke to Ahmet Davutoglu back in 2004, before he became foreign minister, he told me that Turkey was surrounded by problems and mentioned his 'zero problem' strategy. He stressed that these problems should be solved as soon as possible. In the years since, Turkey has been successful in its 'zero problem' policy – without making great concessions – thanks to the efforts of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and President Abdullah Gul (in that post and as foreign minister), and also Davutoglu. But the chaos in the Middle East obviously won't calm down just through Turkey's good will and successful foreign policy, because most of the world's oil resources are in this region.

"Iran and Turkey have thousands of years of historical links with each other. The territory where Iran is now located was our common geography for millennia. Besides the values that we share, more than half of the Iranian population of nearly 70 million is made up of Azeris and other Turkic elements. So problems in Iran truly do concern Turkey.

"As for the recent elections, holding elections in Iran's 'Islamic Republic' doesn't mean the country actually has a democratic system. The honesty of these elections is always questionable. What's actually important in Iran is that the nation's will as revealed in elections isn't final and that religious leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and various institutions have the last word.

"Furthermore, a religious council of ayatollahs was established. But the worst thing is that an anti-democratic institution called the Guardian Council of the Constitution exists. This is like a debased form of our Constitutional Court. It's not easy to get a moderate, democratic regime under such conditions. Efforts were made to oppress the very popular movement of Mir Hossein Mousavi, first through electoral tricks and then violence. If this movement is silenced, it would help if Turkey makes efforts to promote democratization in Iran.

"Nearly 70 Turkmen lost their lives in recent bomb attacks in Kirkuk. Turkey cannot stay silent in the fact of these attacks and try to fulfill its responsibilities through humanitarian aid alone. These attacks are related to the Kurdish peshmerga administration (in northern Iraq), which is pursuing ethnic cleansing. Turkey should be more active at least on the Turkmen issue."

Source: Radikal (Turkey), Op-Ed by Hasan Celal Guzel, June 23, 2009

Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan: "We have raised the standards of our democracy"

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan met with the ambassadors of the EU countries for a lunch where he commented on the recent developments in Turkey. Erdogan said that they had raised the standards of democracy in Turkey and resolved many controversial issues.

Erdogan also referred to recent crisis that was caused by the publication of a military document describing a possible coup d'etat attempt at the government. Erdogan said that noone can stop Turkey's development and advancement in the path of democracy. He stated that the reactions given to this document proved that Turkey reacts to such unlawful events in a unified manner and does not allow for any conflict within itself.

Source: Yeni Safak (Turkey), June 22, 2009

CHP tries to pass a bill to solve the problems of Alevis

The republican CHP leader Deniz Baykal said that his party presented a bill to the parliament and if the bill passes at the parliament, all the problems of the Alevis will be resolved in a short period. Baykal said that the issue of the legal status of cemevis (places of worship) should be cleared up, the compulsory religious classes should be cancelled and the Alevis should be represented at the Religious Affairs Ministry.

Baykal also said that they are working to make CHP the political party of Turkey.

Source: Cumhuriyet (Turkey), June 22, 2009

The Turkish Humanist Party was established

A new political party named the Turkish Humanist Party has recently been founded. The head of the party, Mustafa Kemal Karakoc, said that the present-day politicians in Turkey and in the world are incapable of ruling their countries and thus there is a need for new ideologies and new parties. He also stated that what is important is not being a leftist or a rightist party but a humanist party.

Source: ntvmsnbc (Turkey), June 20, 2009

FM Davutoglu set to visit Iraq

Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu is set to visit Iraq today. Davutoglu will be received by Iraqi President Jalal Talabani and Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, and will also meet with his Iraqi counterpart Hoshyar Zebari. Issues such as the fight against the terrorist PKK, recent developments in the region, and the withdrawal of US forces from Iraq are expected to be discussed.

Source: Aksam (Turkey), June 22, 2009

Saadet (Felicity) Party Leader Necmettin Erbakan :"Zionism is like a crocodile"

Saadet (Felicity) Party members and other representatives from Bangladesh, Pakistan, Iran, Indonesia, Nigeria and Egypt congregated in Istanbul to attend the D-8 (Developing Eight) meeting which celebrated the 12^th anniversary of the organization. Saadet (Felicity) Party leader Necmettin Erbakan made a speech at the conference.

Erbakan said that we are living in a world where many people are oppressed and they are not aware of it. He stated that the main aim of D-8 is to bring a just order to the world. "United Nations is a Zionist organization. The Muslim countries should not be a part of it. They act like puppets. […] The United Nations, UNESCO, IMF and the World Bank are (Zionist) organizations. […] Zionism is like a crocodile. Its upper jaw is the United States. Its lower jaw is the European Union. Its tale is Israel. Its body is the leaders of a group of Muslim countries, journalists, businessmen and collaborators."

Erbakan also stated that after the collapse of the Soviet Union, the British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher searched for another enemy for the survival of their ideology. She said that the new enemy will be Islam.

Source: habervaktim (Turkey), June 20, 2009

Turkish President Gul: "From now on nothing will stay as a secret in Turkey"

Turkish President Abdullah Gul responded to the questions of the journalists regarding the publication of a planned coup d'etat that was recently published in the Taraf newspaper. Gul said that the legal process concerning the issue was advancing towards a result and the necessary steps would be taken. He further stated that if there was something wrong, it would eventually clear up and that nothing in Turkey would stay as a secret from now on.

Gul also emphasized that these events should not divert the attention from the real issues on the agenda such as economic development in the country and the process of democratization.

Source: ntvmsnbc, cumhuriyet, Yeni Safak (Turkey), June 21, 2009

10 thousand people gather in Izmir for the Republican Demonstration

The first one of the republican demonstrations which were organized in several cities in 2007, was organized in Izmir. Around 10 thousand people attended the demonstration which mainly aimed at the criticism of the Ergenekon case and the AKP government. The crowd held a huge Turkish flag of 200 meters and shouted slogans that express support for the Kemalist reforms and laws.

Source: ntvmsnbc (Turkey), June 21, 2009

Supporters of Mousavi protest in front of the Iranian consulate in Istanbul

Around 50 Iranians who support the Iranian presidential candidate Mousavi gathered in front of the Iranian consulate in Istanbul to protest the recent elections. The group who held photos of the dead and wounded demonstrators in Iran said that there was fraud in the recent elections in Iran and thus they came to protest against the Iranian state.

Source: habervaktim (Turkey), June 21, 2009

The AKP files a Criminal Complaint at the Chief Public Prosecutor's Office in Ankara

The ruling AKP filed a criminal complaint at the Chief Public Prosecutor's Office in Ankara on the plan of a military coup d'etat recently published in the Taraf newspaper. The vice chairman of AKP said that their petition demanded further investigation on the document and to find and to punish those responsible for attempting such actions as described in the document.

The criminal complaint petition stated that the elimination of a political party and a government formed by that party is unacceptable in a state of law. Political parties are an integral part of democracy and they represent the will of the people.

Prime Minister Erdogan said that they could not stay quiet on an issue aiming to destroy democracy. He stated that it is necessary to find those who are involved in this act.

Source: ntvmsnbc, habervaktim, cumhuriyet (Turkey), June 17, 2009

First International Gaza reconstruction conference begins in Istanbul

Organized by the Palestine Platform and the International Gaza Reconstruction Commission, the First International Gaza Reconstruction Conference began in Istanbul yesterday with the attendance of more than 1,000 businesspeople and representatives of non-governmental organizations from 30 countries. Speaking at the opening of the conference, Erol Yarar, the head of the Palestine Platform, called for more financial support for Gaza reconstruction efforts.

"The Gaza Reconstruction Commission has carried out feasibility studies on 460 projects worth $300 million for Gaza's reconstruction, has prepared projects and is seeking support," he said. Also speaking on the first day of the conference, Justice and Development Party (AK Party) Deputy Irfan Gündüz said that Turkey expects the international community to lift the embargo on Palestine and Gaza and give back the territories under occupation to their rightful owners. "We also expect the international community to immediately grant the indispensable rights of Palestine, including the right to self-determination, and to establish an independent Palestinian state, with its capital in Jerusalem," Also the chairman of the Turkish Group at the Parliamentary Union of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC), Gunduz said Turkey has consistently condemned Israeli violence against Palestinians.

He also said Turkey expects international organizations like the UN, NATO and the European Union not to remain silent in the face of the tragedy in Palestine and Gaza but instead to take action. Gunduz also said that Turkey would continue to help meet Gazans' humanitarian and other needs, and exert every effort to end the tragedy in Palestine. Wa'el Al-Sakka, the head of the International Gaza Reconstruction Commission, pledged a transparent and accountable organization for aid distribution in Gaza. He said financial and humanitarian aid sent to Gaza will be used and handed out to the Palestinian people under the supervision of public authorities and NGOs in a way free from political and economic disputes. Gaza Mayor Refik Mekki talked about the ongoing humanitarian tragedy in Gaza, calling for more aid from the international community. He also thanked the Turkish government and people, especially Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, for their moral and financial support to the Palestinian people, adding that they would never forget the Turkish people standing by them during the last Israeli offensive in Gaza. The conference will end today.

Source: Turkiye (Turkey), June 18, 2009

The daily Taraf newspaper published the account that there had been a plan by the army to defame the AKP and Fethullah Gülen

In recent days, allegations against the Turkish Armed Forces have emerged. The daily Taraf newspaper published the account of a source who said that there had been a recent action plan by the army to defame the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) and Fethullah Gülen, a prominent leader of a religious movement in Turkey, currently living in the USA.

According to Taraf, the plan was made in January 2009, and reports on the issue were prepared in February and March

Documents pertaining to the plans were allegedly seized in the house of retired lieutenant Serdar Öztürk when his home was searched as part of the investigation into the ultranationalist clandestine Ergenekon organisation.

According to the Anadolu Agency (AA), the military prosecution has claimed that the documents found at Öztürk's home were not prepared by any unit of the General Staff. A statement making that point was published on the website of the General Staff, saying, "The Turkish Armed Forces, as has been expressed before, does not harbour personnel with behaviour and ideas that violate democracy, law and state principles."

However, in today's (15 June) issue of the newspaper, it cited a "general who could have become Chief of General Staff but is retiring" as saying that he warned current Chief of Staff İlker Başbuğ about plans against the AKP and Gülen, and that Başbuğ had said that he would not allow it.

Following the publication of articles in Taraf newspaper on 12 June, a military court decreed a publishing and broadcasting ban. The newspaper has objected to the ban, saying that a military court was not authorised to decree a ban, and that it violated Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights.

Prime Minister Erdoğan has expressed his outrage and announced a possible criminal complaint.

Source: bianet (Turkey), June 15, 2009

Baykal comments on the recent crisis caused by the Taraf news story: "This is an important opportunity for Turkish democracy

The head of the Republican CHP, Deniz Baykal, reacted to the recent crisis caused by the military document published by the Taraf newspaper describing the coup d'etat plans of the army against the AKP government and the Gulen movement. Baykal said the issue of whether the document is false or not should be cleared immediately.

Baykal said that there have been many cases in the past where false documents on the actions of his party were used to prove wrong claims. Baykal said that if it is proven that this document on the military coup d'etat plans is false, then this is an opportunity for the Turkish democracy to reach up to a new stage. If it is false, then all the secret plans which intend to lead Turkey in a dangerous direction will be exposed.

Source: ntvmsnbc (Turkey), June 16, 2009

Gul and Erdogan congratulate Ahmedinejad

Turkish president Abdullah Gul and Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan called the Iranian President Ahmedinejad to congratulate him on his recent success in the elections.

Source: Milliyet (Turkey), June 15, 2009

Erdogan meets the Chief of Staff Basbug to discuss the recent crisis of military coup d'etat

After the publication of a military document about a coup d'etat plan on the government which caused uproar in the country, Prime Minister Erdogan met with the Chief of Staff Ilker Basbug. The meeting lasted for one and a half hours and a statement on the recent crisis is expected.

Source: ntvmsnbc, radikal (Turkey), June 16, 2009

Fethullah Gulen: "The prestige of the Turkish Armed Forces should not be damaged."

Fethullah Gulen reacted to the recent crisis caused by the military document published by the Taraf newspaper describing the coup d'etat plans of the army against the AKP government and his own movement. Gulen said that such a document which tries to damage an institution that is respected and liked by the nation is actually an attack on the nation itself and thus it is important not to damage the reputation of the army. It is wrong to think that the army is responsible for such an act of enmity.

Source: ntvmsnbc (Turkey), June 16, 2009

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