ANKARA
Construction of the new presidential palace in Ankara is in accordance with all building regulations in Turkey, the Turkish presidency said on Thursday.
"Allegations appeared claiming there are some regulations for which the construction of the palace is unlicensed. These allegations are completely false," said Metin Kiratli, the deputy secretary general of Turkish presidency.
"We have a construction permit and also an occupancy permit dated Oct. 8, 2014. There is no irregularity."
Several lawsuits against the construction of the White Palace have been filed. One of these lawsuits was filed by a group from Union of Chambers of Turkish Architects and Engineers, and the brief included the claim that the palace was built unlawfully on a protected nature site.
Kiratli said that even though an Ankara court ruled that the protected nature status of the area cannot be changed, the Turkish Council of State, the highest administrative court, has reversed the judgment and has given the necessary permission for the construction.
"The whole legal process regarding our construction has been completed in due form," he said.
A new law governing construction was announced in Turkey's Official Gazzette on Feb. 18 this year, clearing the way for public service construction at protected areas.
Meanwhile, AA has obtained a copy of the occupancy permit for the palace issued by Ankara Metropolitan Municipality on July 17, 2012.
The document says the building is entirely in accordance with construction law, construction inspection laws, master plans and Turkish standards.
The opposition had accused the government of spending too much money on the new residence, known as the "White Palace," that opened on August 30.
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