Turkey CHP deputy: PM trying to stifle Hrant Dink case

July 30, 2014 By administrator

Turkish author and human rights activist Adalet Ağaoğlu (L) places carnations outside the Agos newspaper building during a ceremony to mark the sixth anniversary of the killing of Turkish-Armenian journalist Hrant Dink in İstanbul in this 2012 file photo. (Photo: Reuters)

Main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) Deputy Chairman Sezgin Tanrıkulu slammed Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Wednesday for his recent remarks on the case involving the murder of Turkish-Armenian journalist Hrant Dink, claiming that the government is trying to stifle the case. reported TODAY’S ZAMAN / ISTANBUL

In a written statement released on Wednesday, Tanrıkulu said Erdoğan is explicitly protecting the suspects in the case of Hrant Dink, who was assassinated outside the office of his Agos newspaper in broad daylight on Jan. 17, 2007, by not admitting that Dink was murdered because of his thoughts and writings. “The assassination of Hrant Dink was one of the most barbaric and shocking events in the world. It is now obvious that there are many different people who are involved in this assassination. Yet the Justice and Development Party [AK Party] is explicitly protecting and rewarding them,” Tanrıkulu stated.

Tanrıkulu also accused Erdoğan of not taking any concrete steps in order to capture the real players behind the scenes in the Dink assassination. “Dink’s assassination was not a result of personal enmity. It was purely an organized crime. Although Prime Minister Erdoğan knows of every single person involved in this murder, the real players still got away with what they did. Only the gunman was sentenced to a prison term,” Tanrıkulu said in his written statement.

Dink was shot dead by an ultra-nationalist teenager in broad daylight five years ago. The hitman, Ogün Samast, and 18 others were brought to trial. During the process, the lawyers for the Dink family and the co-plaintiffs in the case presented evidence indicating that Samast was not acting alone. Another suspect, Yasin Hayal, was given life in prison for inciting Samast to murder. However, Erhan Tuncel, who worked as an informant for the Trabzon Police Department, was found not guilty of the murder.

Stating that he had no doubt that justice will be done sooner or later in Turkey, Tanrıkulu said those behind this murder and those who try to stifle the case will be brought to justice one way or another. “We believe justice will return to this country some day. We are extremely curious as to why the prime minister made a statement regarding the Dink case amid an operation against more than 100 police officers, including former senior police chiefs, who were detained throughout the last week?” he stated.

Prime Minister Erdoğan made a statement last week to the Vatan daily on his way back from an election rally in Diyarbakır, saying: “The Hrant Dink case is personal. It is not possible to compare that with the parallel state [referring to Hizmet movement]. This parallel state is a security issue. They [the Hizmet movement] intend to take over government institutions. It would be a mistake to compare the Dink issue with the issue of the parallel state.”

Erdoğan’s open hostility toward the Hizmet movement has increased since Dec. 17, 2013, when prosecutors made public a massive graft investigation targeting the government, which led to the resignation of three Cabinet ministers and the removal of another. Erdoğan has accused the Hizmet movement of being behind the corruption probe that he claims is a coup attempt, although the prime minister has not produced any evidence to justify his claims.

Turkey’s Erdogan: ‘I stopped talking to Obama’ (Obama is not helping the Neo-Ottoman empire!)

July 23, 2014 By administrator

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he ceased direct phone contact with US President Barack Obama once the US backed away from use of military force against Syria last fall.

Erdogan, a supporter of rebel fighters opposed to Syrian President Bashar Assad’s government, was upset, he said, that the United States did not follow through with military action against Damascus amid the fierce civil war there.

“In the past, I was calling him (Obama) directly. Because I can’t get the expected results on Syria, our foreign ministers are now talking to each other,” Erdogan said Monday in an interview with the pro-government ATV channel.

“And I have talked to (US Vice President Joe) Biden. He calls me and I call him.”

Erdogan indicated that he was disappointed when the US would not boost rebel factions enough at a time when Western opinion began to turn against Assad.

“I expect justice in this process. I couldn’t imagine something like this from those who are championing justice,” Erdogan added.

The last phone conversation between Erdogan and Obama took place on February 20, according to AFP, after which the White House released a scathing statement accusing Erdogan of misrepresenting the content of their conversation.

Erdogan has also been at odds with the US over Israel’s current offensive in the Gaza Strip that has killed more than 580 Palestinians in two weeks. Erdogan accused Israel of “state terrorism” and a “genocide” of Palestinians. He also chastised the US for defending Israel’s “disproportionate” use of force, adding that Israel had “surpassed Hitler in barbarism.”

“[Israelis] have no conscience, no honor, no pride. Those who condemn Hitler day and night have surpassed Hitler in barbarism,” Erdogan said.

The US State Department called his comments on Israel “offensive and wrong.” Erdogan fired back saying the United States should partake in “self-criticism.”

Erdogan is expected to win the August 10 presidential election in Turkey. Should he win the race, many analysts expect him to be more assertive with Turkish foreign policy.

Egypt summons Turkish diplomat over Erdoğan’s criticism of Sisi calling Egypt President “illegitimate tyrant,”

July 20, 2014 By administrator

July 20, 2014, Sunday/ 22:39:54/ REUTERS / CAIRO
Cairo’s Foreign Ministry on Sunday summoned the Turkish charge d’affaires in protest over derogatory comments by Turkey’s Prime Minister Tayyip Erdoğan, aimed at the Egyptian president, state media reported.

Erdoğan, a long time supporter of Egypt’s outlawed Muslim Brotherhood which was removed from power by the army last year, called President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi an “illegitimate tyrant,” according to media reports.
The prime minister also slammed Egypt’s efforts to mediate a ceasefire to end the conflict in Gaza between Israel and Islamist Hamas, which has rejected the truce proposal.

Erdoğan is a vocal supporter of Hamas, which Egypt sees as a security threat because it is an offshoot of the Muslim Brotherhood.
He has ratcheted up his rhetoric against Israel and its allies in recent days, accusing the Jewish state of “surpassing Hitler in barbarism,” and criticising the US and the rest of the Muslim world for failing to intervene.
It is not the first time Turkey’s premier has lashed out at Sisi, having previously accused him of toppling Egypt’s Islamist president, Muhammad Morsi, in a “military coup.”
Late last year, Egypt expelled the Turkish ambassador to Cairo, accusing him of undermining the country. Ankara responded by declaring the Egyptian ambassador to Cairo persona non grata.
Erdoğan is hoping to become Turkey’s first directly elected president in polls due on Aug. 10. Anti-Israel and pro-Muslim Brotherhood feeling is rife amongst the largely Sunni conservative voter base he is relying on to give him victory.

Gülen movement to be added to top-secret national security ‘Red Book’

July 20, 2014 By administrator

ANKARA

Hurriyet daily news Report, The movement of U.S.-based Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen, referred to by government officials as the “parallel state,” will be added to Turkey’s top-secret national security document, known as the “Red Book,” Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has announced.

“An organization that threatens our national security will of course take its place in it [the Red Book]. The fight against [this organization] has become one of priorities of the state,” Erdoğan told private broadcaster TGRT on July 20, adding that the fight against the “parallel structure” had also been recently discussed at the National Security Council (MGK), the country’s top security board.

The Red Book national security document lists Turkey’s perceived domestic and external threats, and is updated by the MGK when necessary. It was last updated in 2010.

Erdoğan, who is currently running to become Turkey’s first ever directly-elected president in next month’s election, linked the anti-Gülen struggle to the unity and integrity of the country. “I will follow this fight [against this organization] if I am elected president. This is because my people have suffered [from this organization], I know this,” he said.

The fight between one-time-allies the Erdoğan government and the Gülen movement began late last year after a massive corruption and graft investigation against four ministers led by Istanbul prosecutors went public. The government states that the operation was a plot carried out by prosecutors and police officers loyal to Gülen, aiming to topple Erdoğan and his government. Since the probe broke, thousands of prosecutors and police officers have been removed from their previous positions, with pro-government prosecutors now probing the activities of the “parallel state.”

Is Palestinian & Israeli Conflict yet another Turkish false-Flag Operation?

July 20, 2014 By administrator

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan accused Israel on Saturday of having “surpassed Hitler in barbarism” through its attacks on Gaza,

Erdoğan continued to ratchet up his rhetoric against Israel over its offensive, threatening to further harm already badly frayed relations between the two countries, once regional allies.

Hours earlier Israel advised its citizens against traveling to Turkey, citing “the public mood” after attacks on Israeli diplomatic missions during protests in İstanbul and Ankara against the Gaza offensive on Friday.

Palestinian officials say more than 330 people have been killed by Israeli strikes launched in response to rockets fired into Israeli territory by militants loyal to Hamas.

“(Israelis) have no conscience, no honor, no pride. Those who condemn Hitler day and night have surpassed Hitler in barbarism,” Erdoğan told supporters at a political rally in the Black Sea city of Ordu. He accused the United States of defending Israel’s “disproportionate” tactics, and bemoaned the failure of the Muslim world to take a stronger stance.

Erdogan slams Egypt’s Sisi as ‘tyrant’ over Cairo policy toward Hamas

July 18, 2014 By administrator

By HERB KEINON, JPOST.COM STAFF

“Is Sisi a party (to a ceasefire)? Sisi is a tyrant himself,” Erdogan told reporters. “He is not different from the others.”

Turkey’s Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan addresses members of parliament from his ruling AK Party Photo: REUTERS

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday lashed out at Egypt’s newly installed president, Abdul Fattah al-Sisi, for Cairo’s antagonistic attitude toward Hamas.

When asked about Egyptian mediation efforts aimed at bringing about a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas, Erdogan scoffed.

“Is Sisi a party (to a ceasefire)? Sisi is a tyrant himself,” Erdogan was quoted by AFP as telling reporters. “He is not different from the others.”

Turkey has been critical of Egypt’s decision to seal the Gaza-Sinai border crossings. Ankara also opposed the Egyptian military’s toppling of Islamist leader Mohammed Morsi, leading to Sisi’s ascension.

In November, Egypt expelled Turkey’s ambassador from Cairo due to Ankara’s expressed support for Morsi.
“Egypt is not a party, they are trying to legitimize (the Sisi administration) in Egypt. It is not a legitimate administration. It is illegitimate,” Erdogan said.

The Turkish leader, who accused Israel of “genocide” against the Palestinians, slammed Jerusalem’s policy – supported by Egypt and the West – of shunning Hamas.

“Hamas is a party there,” he said.

Earlier Friday, Israel recalled the families of diplomats in Ankara and Istanbul following violent protests outside the embassy and consulate in those cities Thursday night.Friday.

Foreign Minister Avigdor Liberman said Israel also decided to further reduce its diplomatic entourage in Turkey, which is already small following Turkey’s expulsion of Israel’s ambassador following the 2010 Mavi Marmara incident.

Rocks were thrown and windows broken during the Thursday night protests, which followed virulent comments made by Erdogan who accused Israel of attempting “systematic genocide” against the Palestinians in Gaza.

In one incident the Israel flag was ripped down from the ambassador’s residence in Ankara, and replaced with a Palestinian one.

A statement from Liberman’s office said that the Turkish security officials did not take action to prevent the violence, and said that Turkey was responsible for the well-being of the diplomats who remain there. .

Liberman directed the Foreign Ministry to gravely protest the Turkish inaction, a violation of various international treaties meant to protect diplomats.

One official said it was ironic that Turkey wants to now play a role in mediating a cease-fire.

Erdogan playing “an Armenian card” blackmails Baku with opening Armenia border

July 17, 2014 By administrator

Turkish PM Recep Tayyip Erdogan is pressing Azerbaijan to close Gulen schools, Turkish media reported.

According to Rotahaber website, the PM is threatening Azerbaijan to open border with Armenia. The author says the evidence is an article published by Taraf newspaper suggesting that Erdogan plans to open Armenia-Turkey border in September.

Interestingly, U.S. President Barack Obama has been recently refusing to communicate with Erdogan, while the latter is trying to revive relations with Washington by playing “an Armenian card”.

“If necessary, after settling relations with Washington, he will resume relations with Armenia, thus abandoning his promise in return for closing Gulen schools in Azerbaijan,” the article reads.

Hundreds of protesters in the streets against the coming of Erdogan in Vienna (Austria)

June 20, 2014 By administrator

European tour of Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan began badly. In Vienna (Austria) where he held his first meeting, the Turkish Prime Minister was greeted by jeers of hundreds of protestors Armenians, Kurds and Alevis, Kurds waving Armenian flags. According CNNTurk, held on Pratestern instead of Vienna, demonstrators crowd headed for the Donazernourm place with Armenian flags, Kurdish PKK and Austria. Austrians who were many in the crowd of demonstrators. At this event clashes occurred with activists “Turkish Popular European Party.” The police intervened and used tear gas to disperse the crowd.

Krikor Amirzayan

Vienna, Austrian media outlets clearly voicing their opposition to the to Turkish PM Erdogan visit, saying, “You are not welcome here.”

June 19, 2014 By administrator

Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s visit to Vienna on Thursday continues to generate reactions in the European country, with Austrian media outlets clearly voicing their opposition to the visit, saying, “You are not welcome here.”

The headline of the Austrian newspaper Kurier was “As an election campaigner, you’re not welcome here!” — a headline similar to that of the German newspaper Bild during Erdoğan’s visit to Cologne last month.

Erdoğan was in Cologne to address the city’s large Turkish community on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the founding of the Union of European Turkish Democrats (UETD). “Erdoğan, you’re not welcome here. … We do not want politicians like you,” the Bild tabloid wrote in an open letter to the Turkish prime minister that appeared on its front page.

Erdoğan’s visit to Vienna, where he is scheduled to address an estimated 17,000 Turkish citizens residing in Austria as part of his campaign for the presidential election, has caused days of controversy in the European country, with many concerned about what they see as Erdoğan’s inflammatory language and authoritarian behavior dealing with demonstrations, as well as his handling of a corruption scandal that touched four former Cabinet ministers in Turkey.

Erdoğan typically addresses a large audience of expatriate Turks when visiting Austria. He will also mark the 10th anniversary of the founding of the UETD in Vienna. His visit comes ahead of the Turkish presidential elections scheduled for Aug. 10, though he has not yet announced his candidacy for the presidency.

Kurier based its headline on a survey conducted on its website regarding the Turkish prime minister’s visit to the capital. The newspaper stated that 70 percent of Austrians were against Erdoğan making an election speech in their country.

Kronen Zeitung, Austria’s biggest-selling newspaper, stated, “Erdoğan is dividing the Turks living in Austria.”

The visit particularly sparked debate after Austrian Foreign Minister Sebastian Kurz said he had warned Erdoğan not to bring the political unrest Turkey has experienced to Austrian society through his polarizing and marginalizing speeches, adding that if Erdoğan were to give a speech similar to the one he gave earlier in Germany, the Turkish population in Vienna would be harmed more than anyone else. Speaking to the Zaman daily, Kurz said many people are worried that Erdoğan might send polarizing and aggressive messages to the Turkish population living in Vienna during his planned address.

Changes to the electoral system that now allow expatriate Turks to cast votes from abroad make them a significant bloc of voters in the upcoming presidential election. About 268,000 people of Turkish origin live in Austria, according to government figures, of which nearly 115,000 are Turkish citizens.

Erdoğan is scheduled deliver an address at the Albert-Schultz ice rink in Vienna, a facility capable of hosting 7,000 people. Many believe that uneasiness is the reason a big football stadium was not made available to the Turks as the Turkish prime minister requested. Big screens outside the hall will make it possible for 10,000 more people to watch Erdoğan’s address. Various groups of Turks living in Austria are also preparing to protest Erdoğan’s visit.

Erdogan Angers US Turkish Lobby

June 11, 2014 By administrator

WASHINGTON (Eurasianet)—The annual Washington conference of the American-Turkish Council (ATC), perhaps the best-known group lobbying on behalf of Turkish interests in the United States, is usually an occasion for both sides to boast about the strength and importance of the Turkey-US relationship. This year’s conference, though, turned out to be a showcase for the deep divisions and political dysfunction gripping Turkey.

On June 1, the day the annual conference started, the ATC’s long-time president, former US ambassador to Turkey James Holmes, submitted his resignation along with several other top executives. As reported in the Turkish press, Holmes — whose organization counts among its members numerous corporations, especially in the defense industry — had been feeling some heat from Ankara in connection with the political divisions currently gripping Turkey. In particular, it appears supporters of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) were upset that the ATC had sent out a news bulletin which included articles from Today’s Zaman, the English-language newspaper affiliated with the Gulen movement, which is currently locked in an intense political battle with the AKP.

Moreover, as the pro-government Daily Sabah reports, Holmes further angered AKP supporters when he suggested during a recent conference in Washington that the actions of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan were undermining Turkey’s democratization. To show its displeasure with Holmes, Ankara this year refrained from sending any high-level government officials to the ATC’s conference. In turn, the US government also kept its top officials from the event. The result was not only a lackluster gathering, but also another reminder of how Turkey’s domestic political battles are working their way into Washington.

Writing in Milliyet, columnist Asli Aydintasbas, who spoke at the ATC conference, saw the politics surrounding Holmes’s resignation as yet another strike against Ankara’s “already dented” image in Washington. From her column (as translated by Al-Monitor.com):

Someone who was once an influential figure in Turkish-US relations told me, ‘Being a bully may work in Turkey, but not here. ATC is an American organization.’ Another labeled the pressure on Holmes as ‘shameful.’

The most salient comment came from an official who asked, ‘If they make ATC ineffective, how is Turkey going to voice its problems?’

For years, there were three different sources working as a Turkish lobby in Washington. The first was the Israeli lobby. The second was TUSKON [the Confederation of Businessmen and Industrialists of Turkey] and extensions of the Gulen movement. The government, after destroying its bridges with these organizations, now blew up its last pillar in Washington.

A night before the meeting was to start, ATC Chairman Holmes quietly submitted his resignation to the executive board, hence the mournful ambiance at the meeting. But I don’t think this story will end here. From what I have heard, neither the US administration nor the giant corporations on the ATC board are happy with Ankara’s pressure.

Delivering the keynote address at the conference was Serdar Kilic, Turkey’s newly arrived ambassador in Washington. Considering the bad taste left behind by the way Holmes was pushed out of his job, it would appear Kilic will have to start his new job doing some damage control work and making sure Turkey’s internal political squabbles stop finding their way to the American capital.