“I don't think the TSK is right to interfere so much in current politics,” Okay stated in a press conference on Wednesday. Okay's remarks came in response to the recent call of Chief of General Staff Gen. İlker Başbuğ for people not to become concerned about the unity and future of the country based on what is stated on television programs.
“I advise everyone not to become preoccupied as not everything discussed on TV programs should be taken seriously,” Başbuğ told reporters on Tuesday in the southeastern province of Mardin.
The CHP deputy chairman said he does not appreciate the TSK's efforts to be included in the political platform with such statements. “It is not possible to agree with [Başbuğ's] advice not to watch TV programs. Everyone should express his views in a democracy. This [the Kurdish initiative] has been an important platform for debate. It is up to our citizens to decide whether to watch such programs or not,” Okay added.
Okay also said his party favors an open parliamentary session to discuss the government's plans to settle the long-standing Kurdish question. “The ruling party is pretty confused on the ‘democratic initiative.' Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has announced that the parliamentary session will be open to the press. I deem this to be a positive step, but what the ruling party will say is of great importance for us. Will there be a difference between what it will say in the open session and what it will say in the closed session?” the CHP official asked.
