President Gül says Turkey no longer needs EMASYA

President Abdullah Gül has said Turkey is no longer in need of the Protocol on Cooperation for Security and Public Order (EMASYA), which authorizes the military to conduct operations and intelligence gathering in cities without the approval of the civilian administration.

“EMASYA is a protocol signed between the Interior Ministry and Turkish Armed Forces [TSK]. It has its own logic and legal ethics. I am of the opinion that Turkey no longer needs that protocol within the scope of its legal understanding and judicial standards,” the president told reporters after a press conference he held with Kosovo President Fatmir Sejdiu.

The controversial protocol was signed by the General Staff and the Interior Ministry on July 7, 1997 and empowers the military to intervene in social incidents on its own initiative. In accordance with EMASYA, the military can gather intelligence against internal threats.

Though the protocol was met with harsh criticism by politicians and analysts over the years, it has remained in force.

Gül said the decision to abolish the protocol lies at the hands of the government. “It is the government which governs Turkey and it is responsible toward Parliament,” he added.

The debates over EMASYA returned Turkey’s agenda after the exposure of a suspected military plan to overthrow the government, titled the Balyoz (Sledgehammer) Security Operation Plan. Retired Gen. Çetin Doğan, who is believed to be one of the masterminds behind the plan, said the document was planned in accordance with EMASYA.

Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan stated on Sunday that his government was engaged in necessary efforts to get rid of the controversial protocol. “No such thing as the EMASYA protocol can exist. We are taking necessary steps to abolish it. We will conclude our work to that end soon. This is a protocol, not a law. We will make legal changes if necessary. We will abolish the protocol,” he said.

The president also said the National Security Policy Document (MGSB), a resolution that acts as a guideline for the military in situations of domestic conflict, could be revised. “The document is not a constitutional article or a law. It is right for Turkey, as is for any country, to have such a document. But it can be re-prepared in accordance with today’s needs. This is not something abnormal,” he remarked.

The MGSB, also known as the “Red Book,” is referred to as Turkey’s “secret constitution.” It lies behind many military interventions as it enables the military to plot against governments.

During yesterday’s press conference, Sejdiu said his country was grateful to Turkey for its contributions to Kosovo people’s struggle for independence.

“Turkey’s support for Kosovo’s independence and for our efforts to provide a better future for our citizens is a part of our history. And we hope that Turkey will continue to extend support to Kosovo’s recognition by other international actors and to our membership bid to join the European Union and NATO,” Sejdiu stated.

He also said Kosovo was grateful for Turkey’s contributions to the Kosovo Force (KFOR), a NATO-led international force responsible for establishing and maintaining security in Kosovo. “Kosovo attaches great importance to Turkey as a country with a rapidly developing economy and increasing role in maintaining peace,” he added.

Source: Today's Zaman.
Link: http://www.todayszaman.com/tz-web/news-200451-101-president-gul-says-turkey-no-longer-needs-emasya.html.