Main opposition CHP wants an end to Turkey's year-long state of emergency

The main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) has reiterated its call to the government to not extend the state of emergency, stressing the importance of "returning to normalcy" and "re-establishing democratic order" in Turkey. 

"Turkey needs to return to its normal order as soon as possible, leaving state of emergency behind. I hope that the state of emergency due to expire on July 19 will not be extended," CHP Deputy Parliamentary Group Chair Levent Gök told ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) officials during the latter's courtesy visit to the main opposition party on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr on June 26. 

Parliament imposed state of emergency on June 20, 2016 five days after the failed military coup attempt, saying it was necessary to effectively fight against what prosecutors call the Fethullahist Terror Organization (FETÖ), believed to be behind the putsch. 

Thousands of people have been arrested on charges of taking part in the coup attempt and of being FETÖ members, while more than 100,000 civil servants have been expelled. 

The state of emergency has been repeatedly extended since it was first announced, despite opposition criticisms that the government has abused the extensive powers granted by the state of emergency to crack down on all opposition groups, regardless of whether they have links to FETÖ. 

The CHP's criticisms are largely shared by the EU, which considers the state of emergency as the most important obstacle to launching a meaningful dialogue with Ankara and continuing negotiations on a number of issues, including visa liberalization and accession negotiations.

AKP: State of emergency necessary

Gök said the CHP lent any possible support to the...