MILLIYET- Columnist Fikret Bila comments on the statements by Chief of General Staff Gen. Huseyin Kivrikoglu in the aftermath of a think-tank organization's promotional meeting. A summary of his column is as follows:
Gen. Kivrikoglu talked with journalists for a long time and answered many questions on their minds. The situation in Argentina was brought up, and many questions were asked about the similarities between the two countries. Gen. Kivrikoglu had optimistic evaluations. He said that Turkey had entered the new year in high spirits and added that he did not expect a social explosion. He also remarked that if corruption was not eradicated altogether, Turkey would not be able to stand on its own two feet. However, he stated that he was hopeful for the future. On a new banking law, the chief of staff said that he believed everything in the interests of Turkey should be carried out. He said the military was not a party to the new law, and that they were no economists either. However, he believed everything should be done after careful study. Another of his statements was directed against the EU. Gen. Kivrikoglu pointed out that in the wake of the Sept. 11 attacks, the US made legal the trial of foreigners accused of terrorism in military courts. On the other hand, he said, Europe even while giving support to the US' fight against terrorism, has failed to include an organisation such as the PKK in its list of terrorist organizations. He asked, 'In such a situation, which criteria should be taken as bases for Turkey's national security and unitary structure?' This question was directed against Europe's double standards and those who defend such views both within the country and abroad.
SOURCE: OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER, DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF PRESS AND INFORMATION