‘Structures threatening national security’ top agenda at security council meeting

ANKARA – Anadolu Agency

Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan arrives at the top security meeting in Ankara, April 30. AA Photo

Turkey’s National Security Council (MGK) met on April 30 under the presidency of President Abdullah Gül to discuss measures against “structures threatening national security,” according to an official statement.

The meeting comes amid signals from the Justice and Development Party (AKP) government that steps are being taken against the movement of U.S.-based Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen, which the AKP accuses of seeking to overthrow the government.

“Issues concerning our people’s peace and the security of our state were discussed in detail. Moreover, the structures threatening our national security and the measures taken against them were also discussed,” said the statement.  

The MGK comprises the Turkish prime minister, the chief of general staff and several Cabinet members, and usually convenes every two months.

The April 30 meeting also discussed international developments, including parliamentary elections in Iraq, the deal between rival Palestinian factions Hamas and Fatah, and the crisis in Ukraine, according to the statement.

Members of the MGK expressed hope that the elections would help solve ongoing issues in Iraq within the framework of democracy, while describing the Palestinian agreement as a “necessary element” for permanent peace.