Erdoğan's message on Syria: 'The key to peace in Syria is the absence of terror'

At a mass opening ceremony held in Aydın, President and AK Party Chairman Recep Tayyip Erdoğan made significant statements regarding developments in northern Syria and the government's social policies. Erdoğan stated that with the expulsion of terrorist organizations from Syrian territory, not only the Syrian people but everyone in the region would attain security and peace.

Erdoğan noted that terrorist organizations in Syria are being gradually removed from the region by the Syrian army. He pointed out that Kurds, who were not considered citizens during the former regime, now constitute an essential element of the new Syrian structure. Emphasizing that the fight against terrorism is now being carried out with a stronger will, Erdoğan said, "The fight against the terrorist organization called DAESH is being made stronger and more determined than before. The roots of all kinds of terrorism in our region are being eradicated."

During the ceremony, which also covered housing projects and public investments as part of the mass openings, Erdoğan responded to the opposition, which had criticized the work being done. Pointing out that the main opposition leader had previously directed criticisms that the houses could not be completed, Erdoğan gave examples of the work in the earthquake zone. "To those who said these houses could not be built, we gave our clear answer in the face of what has been done here, just as in the earthquake zone. By working 24/7, we delivered the keys of the 455,000th house to their rightful owners before the year ended. We have achieved a success unparalleled in Europe," he stated.

In his remarks, Erdoğan criticized opposition leader Özgür Özel, stating that he remembered what he said when he saw the projects in Hatay and criticized him for not sufficiently appreciating what had been done. "They had no presence in the process for 3 years, now they say they will not leave the earthquake zone alone. What were you doing while 455,000 houses were being built? Did you notice after 3 years?" Asking about the free tractors and houses promised to everyone, Erdoğan said, "While workers are protesting in front of municipalities, they are on vacation. If you care about workers' rights, pay your employees' salaries."

In his speech, President Erdoğan also touched upon global discussions that came up in Davos. Stating that the Western world is now taking Turkey's criticisms regarding instability in the region into account, Erdoğan also responded to accusations that Turkey supported DAESH. "The oppressive regime in Syria has been toppled and a friendly government has emerged. With Turkey's support, Syria is recovering in a short time," he said.

Erdoğan concluded his words as follows:

"When the separatist terror threat in northern Syria is completely ended, not only the Syrian people but the entire region will find peace. Arabs, Turkmens, Kurds, Nusayris, Druze, Christians, and all Syrian citizens will benefit from a unified and secure Syria."

News Source: 12punto