Erdoğan's 'red card' response: 'We were stunned, there's even more to this game'

President Erdoğan took the podium to deliver his speech at the AKP group meeting. Recent reports circulating in the lobbies had claimed that Kürşad Zorlu, who resigned from the IYI Party, and Selma Aliye Kavaf, who resigned from the DEVA Party, would join the AKP. It is being wondered whether Erdoğan will pin badges on new members joining the party at the end of the meeting.

Erdoğan began his remarks by commemorating Ferdi Tayfur, who passed away last week. Addressing Özgür Özel, Erdoğan stated, "What's this about showing a red card? You don't understand those things; that's our business."

Highlights from Erdoğan's speech are as follows:

HE CALLED FOR 'PATIENCE'

"The disinflation process we entered in June is, thank God, continuing. The decline in inflation is more pronounced in goods items. We will support the fight against inflation not only with demand-side policies but also in areas such as food and housing. The social housing project we have been working on for some time is one of these. As inflation falls, purchasing power will increase, and our nation's hardships will ease somewhat. For this, we will be a little more patient, and we will win together as 85 million. My nation should keep their hearts at ease. Whatever we do, we do with precision. Turkey is in safety under the management of certain and competent cadres."

OPPOSITION POSITIONS ITSELF AGAINST TURKEY

"The Syrian people have attained freedom after 61 years of tyranny. I say this very clearly and plainly; they made such reckless, unscrupulous, and immoral statements regarding the Syrian issue that today they do not even have the face to speak. This is the reason for their irritability and for lowering the level even further. They continue to look for trouble where there is none. We have no doubt about our ablution, so why should we have doubt about our prayer? We are not going to stay silent, run away, or pass the buck. We have always spoken plainly. We have stated our word honorably. Various celebrations were held. Turkey had no interference in these demonstrations. In fact, after the events began, I met with the former Syrian President Assad several times. I told him that the celebrations were peaceful. In all our meetings, in every contact we had with him, Assad told us he would make reforms. I expressed to him that suppressing the demonstrations with violence would cause reactions both across the country and in the Islamic world. Instead of resolving the events through peaceful methods, Assad accelerated his massacres. Due to the disproportionate violence used, the events grew and spread throughout Syria. (The opposition) for 13 years, not once did they stand by their country, by Turkey, or on the side of the oppressed, the victimized, and the Syrian refugees."

'RED CARD' RESPONSE TO CHP

"When it comes to talk, Mr. Özel says, 'I am sitting in Mustafa Kemal's seat.' There is neither dignity nor anything else. And now they are pulling out a red card. We, like our nation, were stunned by this interesting move. Since it doesn't require much effort or trouble, I suggest card games to the CHP members. There is even more to this, like 'pişpirik', 'okey', and other card games."

'WE WILL BRING THE MATTER TO A CONCLUSION WITH CALM'

"We see that the contacts made by the delegation have been productive and that, with a few exceptions, political parties support the goal of a Turkey without terrorism. I especially want our nation to know this; if the necessary call is made and the terrorist organization and its affiliated structures take the necessary steps, the winner will be all of Turkey, with its Turks and Kurds. If the terrorist organization drags its feet, then we will achieve our goal of a Turkey without terrorism through other means. Burying the organization in the ground wherever it is found is just a matter of time and planning for us. The powers that have supported the organization for all these years are now worried about their own lives. The end of those who trust in the ox-carts they walk in the shadow of is doomed to be frustration. We are in favor of bringing the matter to a conclusion with calm. Our people have suffered greatly from terrorism. Today is the day. Today is the day of brotherhood. Today is the day to open the door to peace wide open."

News Source: 12punto