Controversial remarks from AKP's Usta

AKP Group Deputy Chair Leyla Şahin Usta made controversial remarks regarding developments in Syria during her speech at the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM). Evaluating the years-long Syrian war, Şahin Usta said, "Those who did not utter a peep while Muslims were being massacred in Syria for years are now raising a ruckus saying 'Alawites are being killed'." These statements drew sharp reactions, particularly from CHP deputies.

EVALUATIONS ON SYRIA

Speaking about the clashes in the Syrian city of Aleppo, AKP's Şahin Usta defended Turkey's stance toward Syrians. Stating that Turkey opened its doors to Syrians during the war process regardless of religion, language, or race, Şahin Usta said, "It must be our greatest priority that Syrians, who have paid a heavy price for the war for 13 years and taken refuge due to the war, now live in peace." Usta also emphasized that the Turkish military has never been and will never be a party to the war in Syria.

TURKEY'S EMPHASIS ON COUNTER-TERRORISM

In her speech, Şahin Usta also touched upon Turkey's fight against terrorist organizations in Syria, stating that the struggle against terrorist groups such as the PKK, ISIS, and DAESH is being carried out with determination by Turkey. Arguing that this struggle by Turkey should be appreciated internationally, Usta said, "We are the ones fighting terrorism in the region; this should not be confused."

"WHILE MUSLIMS WERE BEING MASSACRED, A RUCKUS WAS RAISED FOR ALAWITES"

The words used by Şahin Usta at the parliamentary podium drew significant backlash. Usta said, "Those who did not utter a peep for years, for thirteen years, while Muslims were being massacred in Syria, are now raising a ruckus saying 'Alawites are being killed'. Be humane, let us speak humanely; let us not speak through language, religion, race, and identity politics." These expressions were evaluated as a move that brought the sensitivities of the Alawite community to the agenda and received harsh criticism.

The strongest reaction to Şahin Usta's words came from CHP Group Deputy Chair Gökhan Günaydın. Addressing the AKP deputy, Günaydın stated, "If these words are your true opinion, say 'I think this way.' If it is not your true opinion, I hope it is not, then correct it by saying, 'This is a remark that slipped out unintentionally and against my intent.'" Günaydın stated that these words by Usta were very heavy and provocative.

News Source: 12punto