Top security meeting held in Ankara

Presided over by President Abdullah Gul, Turkey's National Security Council (MGK) gathered on Tuesday with the participation of top civilian and military officials, including the prime minister and the Chief of General Staff. According to a statement after the meeting, the initiative to end PKK terrorism in Turkey, recent nationwide demonstrations and the violent attacks that took place on Tuesday in Iraq were the issues of primary concern. Concerning the initiative, "the measures necessary for the process to be so developed as to provide a permanent atmosphere of security and trust have been discussed," the statement said. The Council separately expressed "deep sadness" at the death of Iraqi Turkmen Front Deputy Head Ali Hasim Muhtaroglu, who was killed in a suicide attack in the city of Salah al-Din on Tuesday. The statement added the Council also discussed Reyhanli twin bombings on May 11, Turkey's efforts to host Syrians fleeing the civil war, as well as the Middle East peace process.