Republican People's Party (CHP) chairman Deniz Baykal told reporters before a party meeting in Ankara that there were great doubts amongst the society about the nature of "Operation Ergenekon."

An alleged criminal network that came to be known as "Ergenekon" was revealed after police seized hand grenades, TNT explosives and fuses in a shanty house in Istanbul on June 12th, 2007. Several Turkish figures were detained and sent to prison within the scope of the investigation. The prosecutors carrying out the investigation have not yet completed the indictment of the lawsuit which is believed to be concluded soon.

"The attitude of the Prime Minister regarding several incidents made many people think that this process was a political showdown," Baykal said.

Baykal also said that justice would not function solidly if politicians made a final decision about a matter that had to be debated and decided by judicial organs.

The main opposition leader argued that the trial process began with a political motivation.

"Distinguished people from various segments of the society, known to oppose the government, have been detained one after the other," Baykal said.

Baykal said that the developments were political, rather than legal. "Every one needs to preserve the relationship among the judiciary, justice and politics," he also said.

The opposition leader expressed expectation that the judiciary would overturn all the charges and claims.

"Turkey will undergo a test," Baykal said.

Also speaking about his party's relations with the Socialist International, Baykal said that his party could not give up Turkey just to establish close relations with some groups or circles.

Baykal also said that his party would decide whether or not to continue being a member of the Socialist International, and how to go on its relations with the organization.

CHP decided not to participate in a Socialist International meeting held in the Greek capital of Athens between June 30th and July 2nd. The party said that it did not have any problems with the organization and its principles, however stances of several member states and politicians about independence of judiciary and rule of law in Turkey were different from CHP's view.

AA