Turkish Deputy Pm Dismisses Claims Of Party Shutdown

Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Bulent Arinc has dismissed recent allegations that the government was to crack down on the main opposition political party, calling it "nonsense."



In a live interview on Turkey's private NTV channel, Arinc said the allegations put forward by opposition parties resembled a ploy, to serve as "political argument," ahead of general elections to be held in June.  



"Shutting down a political party is contrary to Turkey's democracy," said Arinc. 



On Wednesday, Kemal Kilicdaroglu, the leader of Turkey's main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), claimed that certain groups and individuals were preparing to shut down his party, 



The CHP leader claimed to know the identities of said individuals.



"We are always against shutting down a party," said Arinc.



Turkey's parliamentary speaker Cemil Cicek also addressed Kilicdaroglu's allegations Thursday, pointing out the incompatibility of the shutting down of a political party with democracy. 



Return of ex-president to politics 



The deputy prime minister also welcomed the remarks by Turkey's former president Abdullah Gul on a return to active politics.



"Gul is a very successful politician and I will greet his return with respect," said Arinc, recalling Gul's earlier statement that he would serve the ruling Justice and Development (AK) Party if needed.



Arinc said he met with the former president a few weeks ago. 



"I cannot remain uninterested in the AK Party," Arinc "ed Gul as saying.



When asked about Gul's place should he return to politics, Arinc replied that if he would not be a prime minister, he could become parliament speaker.



"If he becomes a parliament speaker, the parliament will win, politics will gain prestige and Turkey will win," Arinc said. 



Gul is among the founders of the ruling AK Party along with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Gul served as the 11th president of Turkey from 2007 to 2014.



www.aa.com.tr/en - Ankara