Opposition criticizes AKP over claims it pushed for pace declaration

A main opposition party official yesterday accused ruling party members of "betraying the republic" by urging the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) to issue a declaration condemning closures of political parties. The ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) is currently facing a prosecutor's case seeking its closure. Speaking to reporters, main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) parliamentary group leader Kemal Anadol said that the AKP had extended interference in the judiciary to the international level. Democratic Left Party (DSP) leader Zeki Sezer joined in the criticism, saying that the ruling party had encouraged EU officials to make statements against Turkey. He called on the AKP not to let international organizations meddle in Turkish affairs. But AKP's PACE members denied the allegations, saying that no Turkish deputies were involved in seeking a declaration.