Erdogan dismisses opposition claims that Ergenekon probe is politically motivated

Speaking at his Justice and Development Party's (AKP) parliamentary group meeting yesterday, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan devoted the bulk of his speech to debate sparked by the recent detentions and arrests under the Ergenekon probe, urging everyone to refrain from casting a shadow over the judiciary. Stressing the importance of respecting judicial independence, Erdogan said, "Prosecutors and judges are continuing their efforts fully independent of all outside pressure." The government, politicians and citizens have a responsibility to help laws be implemented in the best way possible, he said. Dismissing main opposition Republican People Party (CHP) leader Deniz Baykal's claims that the government has made the probe a political tool, Erdogan said, "We set out with the goal of fighting the mafia and gangs. Our fight against these groups is certainly not based on any desire for revenge." Citing how the police recently found underground caches of weapons as part of the probe, Erdogan asked, "How will the CHP explain these weapons?" Accusing Baykal of interfering in the ongoing judicial process of the probe, Erdogan said, "Sometimes he says the fight against gangs should continue, but sometimes he acts like Ergenekon's defense lawyer." Touching on the continuing Israeli onslaught in the Gaza Strip, Erdogan said humanity is dying in Gaza along with civilians and children. Stating that the international community was late to react to the incidents in Gaza, Erdogan said those who are silent in the face of the Gaza attacks will bear historical responsibility, regardless of why they stayed silent. "Keeping silence and not taking any action is being complicit in the humanitarian tragedy in Gaza," he added. Erdogan also warned that the Israeli attacks would escalate regional tension. In related news, the premier yesterday also visited Palestinians wounded by Israel's attacks now in Turkey for treatment. Erdogan told them that they are in safe hands now and among friends. Asked about the state of the peace talks, Erdogan said talks in Egypt are going better than two weeks ago