MESOP : WE HOLD ON RECEP TAYYIP ! – Turkish army threatens legal action over anti-Erdoğan coup rumours

Statement says army has no plans to oust president and that such ‘baseless news’ is damaging morale  – Associated Press in Istanbul – 31 March 2016 12.48 BST

The Turkish army says it has no plans to stage a coup against the country’s president, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and has threatened legal action against anyone who suggests otherwise.The rare statement aims to quash speculation over the possibility of a military coup in Turkey as Erdoğan visits the US. The military said on its website such “baseless news” was hurting morale in its ranks without naming specific publications.The Turkish army, historically seen as a defender of secular principles, has ousted three elected governments and one prime minister.The institution saw its power reduced through a series of measures after Erdoğan came to power as prime minister in 2003. Erdoğan is due to return to Turkey on Sunday. www.mesop.de