ANKARA - Turkey`s main opposition Republican People`s Party (CHP) on Friday asked the Parliament Speaker to convene general assembly to debate on the recent cross-border operation launched into north of Iraq.
"Turkish people believe that this operation was terminated before its scheduled time under the pressure of the United States," Kemal Anadol, deputy chairman of CHP`s Parliamentary Group, told a press conference.
CHP said in its motion that the ground operation launched on February 22nd was ended shortly after a visit by U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates to Turkey and statements made by U.S. President George W. Bush, on February 28th.
"There are doubts that the operation was terminated under the pressure of United States," he said.
"As a result, it is understood that the operation fell short to eradicate and neutralize the terrorist organization and to make it ineffective to attack Turkey again," he added.
CHP members said Turkish parliament should discuss why the government used its authorization --granted by the parliament-- for a limited operation.
Anadol told reporters that they would not object to a closed-doors session if government asks so. "But entire session should not be closed. An open session before the public is needed," he added.
(TÇ-ULG)