Madam, - I refer to the article by Nicholas Birch, "Turkish army's actions raise doubts on democratic credentials", in your edition of April 26th.
The assertion that Turkey is governed by a sinister "deep state" is absurd. Turkey is a democratic country governed by a government elected by its people.
Having met the Copenhagen criteria and brought civil-military relations in line with EU standards, Turkey has started accession negotiations with the EU.
The Turkish military, having played a crucial role in the modernisation of our country in the past, is today a staunch supporter of Turkey's EU accession process. The decision to dismiss the public prosecutor involved in the Semdinli case, Mr Sarikaya, was indeed taken by the Supreme Board of Judges and Prosecutors, which tends to prove that the judiciary was fully engaged in the matter.
As for the PKK, it is a terrorist organisation responsible for the deaths of more than 30,000 people and is recognised as such by the EU and the US. - Yours, etc,
GULSEREN CELIK, First Counsellor, Turkish Embassy, Dublin.