Minister Yumaklı responds to meat import allegations

Minister of Agriculture and Forestry İbrahim Yumaklı has categorically denied allegations that the Meat and Milk Board (ESK) is selling imported meat to companies at low prices. Responding to questions from journalists before the AKP group meeting at the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, Yumaklı stated, "Those who put forward these allegations are obliged to prove them. Such claims are an attempt to divert attention elsewhere."

Responding to a journalist who reminded him that CHP Gaziantep MP Hasan Öztürkmen had presented documents claiming that the ESK was selling imported meat cheaply, Yumaklı said, "Check the documents, you will see the truth. The necessary statements have been made on this matter; I have nothing to add."

ALLEGATIONS OF PARTNERSHIP IN HUNGARY

Addressing the allegations of a partnership with a company in Hungary, Yumaklı noted that the head of the Meat and Milk Board had acknowledged this partnership but defended it as ethical. Yumaklı stated, "The necessary statements have been made on this matter as well. Those making the allegations are obliged to prove them."

The CHP had previously presented documents revealing that ESK General Manager Mücahid Taylan had a partnership with a firm engaged in meat trade in Hungary. Taylan had defended the partnership as ethical. Furthermore, documents alleging that the ESK was selling imported meat at low prices had also been shared with the public.

News Source: 12punto