Both Governor and Police Chief Deny Allegations

As the conflict between the governor of Istanbul Erol Cakir and the Istanbul Police Chief Kazim Abanoz becomes more apparent with press reports, both Cakir and Abanoz have categorically denied the allegations with written statements.

In a written statement from the Office of the Istanbul Governor, it was indicated that Cakir had no problem whatsoever, neither with the lower ranks of Istanbul administration or higher ranks of the state. Stressing that it was not proper to discuss "state issues" and "respond to allegations" through the press, the statement also said some reports which were published in reliable newspapers would be evaluated as well.

The statement made by the Directorate of Press and Public Relations of the Office of the Istanbul Governor remarked that there were 100 departments working under the orders of the Istanbul governor and added that what was expected from these departments were to work with strict obedience to the Constitution, Atatürk's principles and honesty.

While Governor Erol Cakir rejected the allegations that there was a rift between his office and Police Chief Abanoz, he nevertheless indicated that he would also evaluate the allegations covered in the press reports.

Istanbul Police chief Kazim Abanoz has also responded to the press reports, stressing that it was libelous that he had ordered the listening of Governor Cakir's conversations due to the political struggle over appointments of several light-level officials. Denying the press reports that he had links with the religious Fethullah Gülen group, Abanoz said he was in no way under the influence of any political, ideological or religious group when he carried out his duties. "I have not met with the religious Fethullah Gülen group, Abanoz said he was in no way under the influence of any political, ideological or religious group when he carried out his duties. "I have not met with Fethullah Gülen and I have no connection whatsoever with his group. These allegations are all houseless," said Abanoz in his statement. He stressed that all these allegations aimed at distorting the facts on their success to fight against corruption.

Abanoz indicated that Interior Minister Sadettin Tantan had already denied all allegations and added that he would start the necessary legal procedures to sue the reporter and publisher of the hews. 04.23.2001