Turkish president Erdogan 'not happy' with ex-intel chief Fidan standing as MP. (
Taz).
Present Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Feb.8 reacted icily to the candidacy
of ex-intelligence agency chief Hakan Fidan in the upcoming general
elections, Anadolu Agency reported.
"
I do not have a favorable opinion for [Hakan Fidan's] candidacy; let
me say that very clearly. I have also said this to Mr. Prime Minister
before," said Erdogan in a press conference at Istanbul's Ataturk
Airport ahead of his visit to South America, where his office says he
will seek to boost Turkey's bilateral economic ties.
Erdogan said it was Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu's decision to nominate Fidan.
Late on Feb.6, Fidan resigned his post as head of National
Intelligence Agency to stand in the upcoming June 7 general elections,
the prime minister's office said.
Fidan held his post since May 2010. Before, he worked as deputy
undersecretary in the prime ministry when Erdogan was prime minister.
He has been an influential figure in Turkey and made headlines
several times mainly related to Turkey's solution process and its Middle
East policy.
Erdogan also slammed critical remarks from opposition parties for Fidan’s standing as MP.
"
Just as every public servant has the right to resign and become a
candidate, the person at the top of the intelligence service can resign
and become a candidate if a political party nominates him," Erdogan
said, adding that there was no prohibition for public workers in this
regard.
Hmmmm....what if the Turkish Whistle blower Fuat Avni is one of both? And both the PM and Fidan see a future without the 'Erdogans'? Who would have more dirt on anyone then Fidan?