Erdogan: "No one should paint the govt or TSK as weak on terrorism"

Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan yesterday commented on Chief of General Staff Gen. Ilker Basbug's criticism of media claims of military negligence in a recent terrorist PKK attack which left 17 soldiers dead. Urging full unity and solidarity in the fight against the terrorism, Erdogan said, "Turkish security forces are valiantly fighting the terrorist group. Ignoring this is unfair to our fallen soldiers." He added, "Of course the press is free and has the right to criticize. But the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) also has the right to defend itself against criticisms. Those who complain about the tone and sharpness of Gen. Basbug's recent remarks should also look at their own situation. The press has a mandatory code of professional ethics. Criticizing and waging a biased and excessive campaign are two different things. No one should try to paint the government or the TSK as weak on terrorism." He also warned the media of the "dangerous and depressing" effect certain stories can have on soldiers. Stressing that press shouldn't fall into a PKK propaganda trap, Erdogan also said, "All of us should be on the same side against terrorism. No one has the right to encourage terrorism. It is terrorism and the terrorist group that should be targeted, criticized, grilled and discouraged, not the army." Echoing Basbug, Erdogan called on everyone to take the "right stance," saying that this is not a matter of choice but a human, legal and moral obligation. "We are right and standing in the right place," he said.