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Turkish expert: "After the elections, a problem with safety has emerged in the country" - INTERVIEW

Turkish expert: "After the elections, a problem with safety has emerged in the country" - <span style="color: red;">INTERVIEW

07 September 2015 22:35 (UTC +04:00)

- In Turkey the number of terror attacks increased after the elections on June 7 similar to the elections of 2011. What, in your opinion, is the reasons for this?

- After the elections on June 7, real problems with safety have emerged in Turkey. There are 3 reasons: First, the Democratic Party of Peoples, broke the 10% barrier and won 80 seats in parliament. This fact inspired the terror organization "PKK". Second, it is related to developments in Syria and Iraq. Strengthening the position of the PKK in these countries has led to the growth of attacks in Turkey. Third, the agreement, signed in “Dolmanbahche Palace” in Istanbul, left a wide field for maneuver to the PKK. All this together has led to an increase in the number of terror attacks in Turkey. Moreover, I think the number will continue to grow. However, events in the Middle East contribute to the terror organizations and this is the main reason.

- Could it also be due to external forces’ intention to alienate Turkey from regional processes?

- Turkey has to struggle not only with the PKK, but also with the "Islamic State." Considering the processes through this prism it is impossible not to notice the serious security problems. In the fight against the PKK and the DAESH, Turkey should have a clear vision and action plan. Without this, one can only expect to see even more security problems.

- Did changes in the laws by the government play negative role in safety problems created by PKK?

- There is a negative role. The law on the fight against terrorism has been amended according to which, all the powers were given to the heads of the provinces except of the gendarmerie forces. The military structures’ hands are tied as they are not entitled to conduct the relevant operations without the permission of the heads of the provinces. On the other hand, the psychological pressure against the army, the removal of army officials with false documents after holding them in the custody for many years as well as jailing Chief of Staff in connection with the "creation and leadership of a terrorist organization" for 26 months affected the spirit of the army and inspired the terrorists on the contrary. The army’s role as an observer in this situation can only make the problem worse.

- What radical measures should be taken by the government to minimize and then completely remove the threat of terror?

- It is obvious that the main goal of the government is to win the elections to be held on November 1 and once again achieve the government of one party. The government must demonstrate the political will in order to minimize terror acts and for the complete eradication of terror. The terror attacks observed in the country in the past 31 years, have affected economy significantly. In such a situation to talk about the development of tourism and investment in the tourism sector, which is one of the most profitable sectors of the economy, is not possible. But the bold and decisive steps by the government can make a difference. Otherwise, it is likely that the events will cause more damage to the country.