ISTANBUL - Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Saturday that the news stories published in newspapers with the title of ''Uneasiness of Young Officers'' were totally made-up and baseless, adding that ''our army and government continue to work in full harmony. There is no problem in question.''
Responding to questions of journalists while leaving the Istanbul Industry Forum, Erdogan said that ''such kind of news published in newspapers are all made-up, they are not true...I don't approve such news titles. Unfortunately these are the thoughts and steps of circles which are jealous of the beautiful developments in the country. We launch efforts to improve our economy and to increase security and stability in the country.''
Erdogan reminded that Chief of General Staff Gen. Hilmi Ozkok visited him a short time ago and the meeting was made public. Erdogan said that unfortunately many baseless news were published except their statements and although they said that the agenda of that meeting was 'European Union, Cyprus and Iraq issue', many made-up and irrelevant news stories about the meeting were published. ''What do people try to do with such incorrect news stories?'' Erdogan said.
Upon a question whether tension was tried to be created on purpose, Erdogan said that some people, who could not digest the positive developments, tried to do it.
When asked ''do you meet with Chief of General Staff?'', Erdogan replied, ''of course, I meet with him.''
When a reporter said that General Staff Headquarters had not denied the claims yet, Erdogan said, ''Chief of General Staff will make the necessary explanation at the right time. I think that he will issue a statement on Monday.''
CHIEF OF GENERAL STAFF GEN.OZKOK TO HOLD PRESS CONFERENCE ON MONDAY
General Staff Secretariat General said on Saturday that General Ozkok would meet with Ankara representatives of accredited press at 14.00 hours on May 26, Monday.
(ÖS-GC) 24.05.2003