Özgür Özel: 'Erdoğan must meet with Assad; if he doesn't take the step, I will!'

CHP Chairman Özgür Özel, in a statement made in the İskenderun district of Hatay, stated that President and AKP Chairman Recep Tayyip Erdoğan had sent a message to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Özel claimed that Erdoğan told Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, "He should meet with me first; if he meets with the opposition, there will be no agreement."

ASSESSMENT ON THE REFUGEE ISSUE

Drawing attention to the refugee issue, one of Turkey's biggest problems, Özel said, "Turkey is the country hosting the most refugees in the world. Mr. Tayyip made a deal with Merkel, received 6 billion Euros, and turned Turkey into an open refugee camp." Addressing Europeans, Özel said, "We must solve this problem together."

CALL FOR A MEETING WITH ASSAD

Özgür Özel called on Erdoğan, emphasizing that he must meet with Assad. Stating, "If this opportunity is missed today, it will not come again. Assad has declared a general amnesty; take advantage of this opportunity," Özel indicated that the necessary steps must be taken for the return of refugees in Turkey.

PROPOSAL TO ACT TOGETHER FOR A SOLUTION

Directing harsh criticism at Erdoğan, Özel said, "If he doesn't take the step, I will. Let us solve this national issue together." Arguing that the permanent settlement of refugees would increase the unemployment problem in Turkey, Özel emphasized that both political parties and leaders must act together, stating, "We do not accept this situation."

Özgür Özel stated that concrete steps must be taken to solve Turkey's refugee problem. Saying, "As long as we end this problem as soon as possible," Özel underscored that the solutions must now be put into practice.

News Source: 12punto