MHP: "The public knows our anti-PKK stance"

The Turkish public is well aware of the opposition Nationalist Movement Party's (MHP) firm anti-PKK stance, said MHP leader Devlet Bahceli yesterday. He made the remarks in response to a General Staff statement blasting recent criticisms it said were directed at the military, calling them more harmful than treason. Bahceli's written response read: "The Turkish people know well the MHP's stance on the terrorist PKK, which is trying to harm Turkey's national unity and territorial integrity. It's the MHP's democratic right to discuss subjects such as Turkey's national security and domestic and international matters concerning Turkey. It is to the government that we address these political assessments. We stand behind our words." Bahceli added: "Everyone and every institution must be aware of their duties and responsibilities, take action accordingly, and stay within their bounds."