Arrest warrants for Turkish intelligence officials canceledFebruary 20, 2012 - 13:24 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Warrants recently issued for the capture of four National Intelligence Organization (MİT) officials as part of an investigation into a Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK)-linked organization have been canceled, Today’s Zaman reported. The Istanbul Specially Authorized Prosecutor's Office, which obtained the warrants on Feb. 10, announced on Monday that it had cancelled the warrants. Earlier this month, an Istanbul prosecutor summoned MİT Undersecretary Hakan Fidan to testify in an ongoing investigation into the Kurdish Communities Union (KCK), which Turkish prosecutors say is a group that controls the PKK and other affiliated groups. Fidan's predecessor, Emre Taner, MİT Deputy Undersecretary Afet Güneş and two MİT officials were also summoned to testify. The prosecutor was later taken off the case on the grounds that he had exceeded his authority and is currently being investigated by judicial authorities. The government has also introduced a bill requiring the prime minister's permission before MİT officials can be questioned. The bill was quickly approved by Parliament and ratified by President Abdullah Gül late on Friday, effectively nullifying the summons for Fidan. The investigation concerns suspected collaboration between the KCK and MİT officials who infiltrated the KCK to gather intelligence about the organization but allegedly ended up involved in illegal activities, including attacks planned by the KCK. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Armenia to participate in key EU meeting for the first time ever National Assembly speaker Alen Simonyan has said that Armenia will for the first time participate in the Conference. U.S. reacts to Russia’s criticism of upcoming Armenia-EU-U.S. meeting Matthew Miller has weighed in on Russia’s criticism of an upcoming Armenia-EU-U.S. meeting. Lavrov sees ‘collapse’ of Russia’s ties with Armenia Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has underscored heightened tensions between Russia and Armenia. Russia warns Armenia against “falling into West’s trap” Zakharova maintained, however, that anything that will benefit the people of Armenia can only be welcomed. |