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PM: No visible conflict among institutions, but I can’t read people’s minds
Erdoğan added that he has not heard of conflict among state institutions, noting, however, that if the representatives of those institutions think there is conflict but do not speak out, he would not know about it. “If each institution stays within the boundaries of its duties, there would not be any problems,” he said. Journalists were questioning the prime minister about the issue because of Chief of General Staff Gen. İlker Başbuğ's remarks in the Milliyet daily on Monday.
Gen. Başbuğ had said that if there is no information exchange with the government on issues that relate to the military, then there would be conflict.
However, Erdoğan said that they already carry out their duties in accordance with what Gen. Başbuğ pointed out.
“I cannot know if there is conflict in the hearts of people who represent the institutions. There will not be any problem if every institution remains in its assigned position. We carry out assignments within this framework,” the prime minister said.
The debate about conflict among institutions was renewed upon Gen. Başbuğ’s remarks in Milliyet. Erdoğan had dismissed such speculation in January in the wake of a probe into allegations that some military officers were plotting to assassinate Deputy Prime Minister Bülent Arınç. President Abdullah Gül had also said that it would be wrong to define a January search at the Special Forces Command initiated due to claims that there were plots to assassinate high-level politicians as a cause of conflict among institutions.
At a reception in Ankara on Monday evening, Gen. Başbuğ answered questions from reporters about the recent police investigation into a truck carrying grenades in the capital. He said that if people take news stories that the military was planning to use those grenades in Nevruz celebrations in southeastern Turkey for provocations seriously, then the situation is serious.
“I hope everybody has received the message and the warning here,” Başbuğ said in response to a question about the role of the police, which he said made him angry because they conducted a search before informing the military.
Gen. Başbuğ also spoke to reporters about rumors that he would resign.
“I will work until the last minute of my term as if I have a hundred years ahead of me. I will not make somebody happy with my resignation. I stand behind my entire term in office,” he said.
Başbuğ was asked about conflict within the military. He said that the Turkish military is “no doubt going through tough times,” but that members of the military have maintained the utmost discipline. “This is the time when the armed forces have the most discipline, unity and solidarity,” he said.
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