EU ministers demand clarification on Ergenekon from Turkish FM

EU ministers frequently telephoned Turkey's Foreign Minister Ali Babacan for further information on the investigation after reading media reports and receiving cryptos from their embassies in Ankara in relation to the latest incidents.

More than 100 people, including high-profile government opponents and serving military officers, have been detained in the Ergenekon probe, which was launched in 2007 with the discovery of hand grenades in a house in Istanbul.

The probe came under spotlight when prosecutors failed to bring concrete allegations or evidence against the detainees, and created questions regarding the political aspect of the case.

"There is criticism that the government puts pressure on the judiciary and detains its opponents. What is happening in Turkey?" EU ministers asked Babacan.

Babacan told the ministers that the case passed to the judiciary, the daily wrote.

"The judiciary is completely independent in Turkey. There is no need to worry. If there are is a crime, it will be revealed," he added.

Babacan, who returns to Turkey Friday after a three-day visit to Kosovo and Bosnia-Herzegovina, has frequently faced questions from foreign ministers and diplomats regarding the Ergenekon probe during his meetings held both inside and outside the country.