ANKARA - Government Spokesman & Deputy Prime Minister Cemil Cicek said on Monday that operations would continue whenever necessary, as long as that evil is there and Turkey feels uneasy.
Responding to the questions of reporters following the Cabinet Meeting, Cicek said, "the government tries to get necessary measures. There are military, legal, social and economic measures. Now that some legal arrangements will be made. For example the Constitutional arrangement. Works are underway to secure rights and freedoms more and improve democratic standards. The government does them as Turkey needs them, not as a result of some specific incidents."
"Turkish Armed Forces conducts operations within the framework of the directive that has earlier been given to it. This authority is valid for one year, till October 17th, 2008," Cicek said.
Asked to comment on the Constitution draft, Cicek said, "we wish the draft constitution to be discussed within 2008. Constitutional amendment is the duty of the Parliament. Justice & Development (AK) Party carried out several preparations. Professional institutions said they wanted to be included in the process. We have waited for their proposals."