President Gül says he has yet to discuss presidential elections with PM Erdoğan

ANKARA

Turkish President Gül speaks at a joint press conference with Latvian President Andris Berzinš in Ankara, April 16. AA Photo

President Abdullah Gül has said he has yet to discuss the issue of the upcoming presidential elections with Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, but they will soon.

“I have not discussed it with the prime minister yet. But of course we will do soon. This is an issue between us, about ourselves,” Gül said on April 16, speaking at a joint press conference with Latvian President Andris Bērziņš.

Responding to criticism that he and Erdoğan would be deciding on between themselves, the president said no one “should take the presidential post for granted.”

“No doubt there will be some other candidates; eventually the Turkish people will decide,” Gül said, avoiding further comment on a question about his future political plans.

Meanwhile, asked about a bill currently at Parliament about the National Intelligence Organization (MİT), Gül said he had conveyed his views to both the minister and the undersecretary of the body.

“There’s no doubt that such laws are controversial. I carefully shared my views. Ultimately, it’s the decision of Parliament,” he said.