( Cihan ) - General Staff issued a statement Saturday regarding the discussions on secularism in Turkey triggered by the presidential elections that started on April 27. The statement is regarded as rather harsh and was characterized by the Turkish media as 'warning-like."
Chief of Staff Gen. Yasar Buyukanit stated that the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) were concerned that the main focus of the elections became discussions on secularism.
"TSK is a side in these discussions and is a determined advocate of secularism. Moreover, TSK openly opposes any discussions or negative comments on the issue and will not hesitate to demonstrate its demeanor on the issue" said Buyukanit in his statement.
Buyukanit also said that anyone who opposes the principle of the founder of modern Turkey Mustafa Kemal Ataturk "Happy is he who says 'I am a Turk'" is and would remain the enemy of the Turkish Republic.
TSK was, said Buyukanit, determined to use its tasks determined by law to protect the attributes of the republic.