Behind the scenes: Erdoğan's Hamas remarks put Fidan and Şimşek in a difficult position
It is claimed that AKP Chairman and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's statement that 'Hamas is not a terrorist organization' has put Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, who has been sending messages of balance and mediation in foreign policy, and Treasury and Finance Minister Mehmet Şimşek, who has been seeking resources from Western countries to Gulf states to put the economy back on track, in a difficult position.
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AKP Chairman and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who called for 'restraint' from both sides on the first day of the conflict between Hamas and Israel, has hardened his stance in recent days. Moving away from the balance policy he followed in the first 10 days, Erdoğan's statement at his party's group meeting that 'Hamas is not a terrorist organization' has been widely discussed.
Following Erdoğan's Hamas remarks, the US stated that it has classified Hamas as a terrorist organization since 1997.
"WE DIDN'T EXPECT THIS MUCH" COMMENTS
Nuray Babacan from Gazete Pencere, in her article conveying behind-the-scenes information from within the AKP, said, "The harsh words, which completely moved away from the government's 10-day balance policy regarding the Gaza attack, were met with the comment 'We didn't expect this much' even by those with the most conservative views within the party."
The relevant sections of Nuray Babacan's article are as follows:
"Erdoğan's words, 'Hamas is not a terrorist organization. It is a liberation and mujahideen group,' exceeded even the expectations of AKP members.
First of all, Erdoğan's words, uttered after the European Union's statement declaring Hamas a terrorist organization, will cause new walls to be built in relations, despite his previous statements in recent months that what is necessary would be done to re-anchor with the EU. AKP members are more concerned about the damage this statement will cause to the economy and Turkey's mediator position in foreign policy.
FİDAN AND ŞİMŞEK IN A DIFFICULT SPOT
Erdoğan has, in one fell swoop, put the foreign policy built on balance and mediation by Minister Hakan Fidan and the tours of Treasury and Finance Minister Mehmet Şimşek, aimed at seeking resources from Western countries to Gulf states to put the economy back on track, in a difficult position. The sudden rise in foreign exchange and the shock wave in the stock market are among the primary concerns of AKP members.