ANKARA
Turkish President Abdullah Gul said on Friday no parallel formations could be allowed to exist within the state, referring to allegations a "parallel state" nestled in judiciary and police is plotting against the Turkish government.
A comprehensive graft probe launched on December 17 caused controversy after it led to high-profile arrests.
In a televised interview, President Gul said the priority was to ensure graft claims are thoroughly investigated.
"Courts should act according to the constitution, laws and regulations. They should guard themselves against any other reason or motivation, be it ideological, religious, or political."
Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan earlier said the probe was a "dirty setup" with international links designed to hinder Turkey's economic advance.
Turkey's sole exchange entity has lost close to ten percent since the operation, with the total loss of value estimated at upwards of 50 billion dollars.
"Economic stability comes first. Turkey is a globalized economy," Gul said. "If expectations turn to despair, we would be drilling holes in our own ship."
- Gezi and December 17
Gul criticized a recent statement issued by the Supreme Board of Judges and Prosecutors (HSYK) which stressed universality of judicial principles.
"HSYK is not a court. I don't approve of their statement," he said.
Gul urged for caution in observing the confidentiality of the ongoing graft probe, whose legal procedures were largely publicized - particularly when the investigation led to the arrests of the sons of two former ministers and the head of the state-owned lender Halkbank.
In presenting a general summary of the year 2013, Turkish President touched on Gezi Park protests in summer, which began as a small environmental demonstration but mushroomed into nationwide anti-government protests.
"I see no parallels between Gezi Park protests and the current operation," Gul said. "These two are separate issues."
During the program, Gul was also asked of the ongoing 'solution process,' a series of government initiatives aimed at ending terrorism and solving minority issues - especially those of the sizable Kurdish population.
"We need to resolve this through dialogue. It is noteworthy in and of itself that both sides have now realized the importance of preventing bloodshed," Gul said.
- Upcoming presidential poll in August
President Abdullah Gul said that Turkey had a good track record in the last decade in terms of development, noting that the country's efforts to become a member of the European Union was an important factor.
Gul said Turkey needs to reinvigorate its accession bid: "There can be no explanation for a weakening of Turkey's global relations," he said.
Asked on whether he was planning to rerun in the presidential election slated for August, Gul said it was "too early to tell."
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