"There are people who keep looking for a culprit," Erdoğan told his Justice and Development Party (AK Party) at a meeting in Parliament. "There could be deficiencies, and there are deficiencies … We believe that our security forces are sincerely doing their best."

"The best stance against terrorism is the preservation of common sense. Emotional reactions could help terrorism achieve its objectives," Erdoğan also said, calling on his political opponents not to attempt to score political points by exploiting the issue of terrorism. "We have to act rationally. … Politics over blood is unacceptable."

The attack on the military outpost in the Aktütün area near the border with Iraq outraged the public and raised questions over a possible intelligence failure. The military admitted that earlier plans to move the military outpost to a safer position had been delayed because of financial constraints, but denied any failures in intelligence or reinforcements.

Erdoğan said combating terrorism is not an easy task. "Those who know the territory [the border areas] know how difficult it is to carry out this task. I have traveled in the region and know how harsh the conditions are. Those who don't know, on the other hand, can comment easily on the issue," he said.

The military is reportedly requesting changes to Turkish anti-terrorism laws, which were pushed by the European Union, saying the measures have crippled its ability to fight the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and should be revoked. Erdoğan said the government responds favorably to all requests from the security forces to improve their capacity to fight terrorism. "We ask the security forces this question all the time: What do you want us to do? Tell us and we will do what is necessary."

He, however, assured that democracy and freedom will not be undermined. "Our country will continue to progress without taking a single step back on democracy and human rights and freedoms," said Erdoğan. He mentioned that there were non-military aspects in the fight against terrorism, saying the government was working on measures in all areas.

Parliament is set to vote today on a motion to extend a mandate for carrying out cross-border operations against the PKK in northern Iraq. Erdoğan said he hoped Parliament would show its determined and united stance by unanimously supporting the measure. "Iraq is our neighbor, and the people there are our brothers, our relatives. If there is a need, an operation will not target civilians or hurt Iraq's integrity," he said.

'Kurds must cooperate'

The prime minister also urged Iraqi Kurds to support Turkey's efforts and put a clear distance between themselves and the PKK. "Turkey must defend itself. Everybody should undertand this well," he said. "The terrorist organization is a source of instability for the entire region."

He said international statements condemning the PKK were satisfactory, but added that Turkey expects the international community to follow their words with concrete actions against the group.

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