ISTANBUL - Turkey's civilian and military leaders held Tuesday a top security board meeting, which lasted nearly eight hours, as tension simmered over an alleged military plan to discredit the government and moves in parliament to curb the army’s powers. (UPDATED)
Turkish President Abdullah Gul chaired the meeting of the National Security Council, or MGK, attended by Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan, senior ministers, chief of staff Gen. Ilker Basbug and four of his highest-ranking generals.
"Reactions and thoughts regarding the expressions and publications that harms the organs of the state were discussed [in the meeting] and it was reaffirmed that such activities will make no good to our country," the post meeting statement said.
"The struggle against all activities aimed at breaking down our nation's integrity and our people's unity will continue with our people's trust and support," the statement added.
The meeting came as tension in the country rose after a newspaper published an alleged plot by a colonel to finish off AKP and the ruling party made a legislative amendment to pave the way of trying army personnel in civilian courts.
Last week Basbug denounced the plot report as a smear campaign to split the armed forces and said he will bring the issue to the agenda of Tuesday's meeting.
The ruling party's parliamentary group deputy chairman, Bekir Bozdag, told reporters on Wednesday that Tuesday's summit has disappointed those who expected the meeting to raise tensions further.
"The common statement emerging from the MGK is a response to those trying to undermine the Turkish Armed Forces, the government and our institutions," he said.
CHP spokesman Mustafa Ozyurek labeled the statement as "insufficient." The statement avoided advising media organs against publishing reports that undermine state institutions, he said. |
