Prosecutor Sarikaya: Even if President Comes!

The Van Prosecutor, Ferhat Sarikaya, who has risen to the center of the public eye with his list of allegations launches against Turkish General Yasar Buyukanit of the military's Land Forces, has said that "even if President Sezer comes to see me, I will not meet with him."

Sarikaya has reportedly told counterparts in Van that he does not care that a parliamentary investigation has been opened into his activities, saying "Let them open up an investigation into me. I am a prosecutor for the Turkish Republic, and I believe I am doing my job. My conscience is clear. Should I have pretended not to see or hear the allegations surrounding General Buyukanit? Then I really would not have been doing my job. I have not gone beyond the limits of my job. I have done everything within my legal limits."

Sarikaya denied all requests by journalists who had gathered yesterday in the Van Prosecutors' offices to meet with him.

Sarikaya apparently told police protection at the building, "I am very busy, I cannot meet with anyone right now. Even if President Sezer comes, I cannot meet with him."

Sarikaya's personal bodyguard number has been increased in recent days, with some of the protection near his offices noted to be carrying automatic rifles. Sarikaya's trips to and from his home in Van also take place under heavy police protection. (YE)