Erdogan convenes security summit to discuss anti-terror measures

High-level state officials yesterday participated in a mini-security summit convened by Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the official Prime Ministry residence in Ankara. Coming only hours before the expiration of the terrorist PKK's so-called cease-fire, the gathering was attended by Deputy Prime Minister Cemil Cicek, Interior Minister Besir Atalay, Justice Minister Sadullah Ergin, Chief of General Staff Gen. Isik Kosaner, Land Forces Commander Gen. Erdal Ceylanoglu, Gendarmerie Commander Necdet Ozel, Prime Ministry Undersecretary Efkan Ala, National Police Chief Oguz Kagan Koksal, and National Intelligence Organization (MIT) Deputy Undersecretary Afet Gunes. A statement released by Erdogan's office said measures against possible terrorist PKK attacks were discussed in detail during the meeting. Calling the meeting an evaluation of general security and counter-terrorism, the statement said, "Recent developments in the fight against terrorism as well as domestic and foreign security issues were discussed in depth." The meeting followed a deadly terrorist PKK bomb attack in Hakkari late last week which killed nine civilians on the eve of the expiration of the terrorist PKK's so-called cease-fire today. Analysts said the attack was a PKK attempt to sabotage government efforts to solve Turkey's longstanding Kurdish issue or southeastern Anatolia problem. After recent public approval of a constitutional reform package, many expect the government's peace and brotherhood project to gain renewed momentum. In related news, the government plans to introduce a new law to cut off the terrorist PKK's financial resources. Under the proposed law, the Finance Ministry's Financial Crimes Research Unit (MASAK) would be able without court warrant to freeze the financial assets of groups and individuals both in Turkey and abroad found to have financially supported the terrorist group.