AKP Spokesperson Çelik makes statement on 'austerity at the camp'

Çelik made statements to members of the press while the AKP's '31st Consultation and Evaluation' meeting in Kızılcahamam was underway.

Çelik emphasized that they were holding the 31st of their extensive consultations in Kızılcahamam. Stating that the theme of the meeting was framed around 'Turkey's Common Sense,' Çelik said, "Looking at it from this perspective, I would like to state that this future-oriented, extensive consultation has emerged as a consultation mechanism in its own right within Turkish political life." 

Our first topic is our evaluations regarding the massacres taking place in Gaza and the fact that our policy, within the framework stated by our President in his opening speech regarding Turkey's stance, will continue from here on. On this occasion, a special session was held regarding the headquarters' activities. In this session, our Organization Head, Election Affairs Head, and Local Administrations Head gave presentations. 

Following that, party group activities are being carried out by our Group Chairman and Group Deputy Chairmen. Afterward, there will be an evaluation by our minister regarding education, and this will be discussed. Similarly, in one session, presentations will be made by our Ministers of Economy, Energy, and Agriculture. Following these, these policies will be discussed by all participants. 

HE SPOKE ABOUT THE FLOW OF THE CAMP

We will conclude today in this manner, following these consultations and evaluations. Tomorrow morning, we will start at 09:00 with the Justice, Security, and Foreign Policy session. There will be presentations by our ministers on justice, internal security, and foreign policy. Later, as you know, as a tradition of our consultation camp, we will hold a Q&A consultation meeting with the participation of our entire delegation, chaired by our Chairman and President.

I would like to state that it is one of the most comprehensive mechanisms in terms of the AK Party's internal processes, participants, and duration. Afterward, we will take a short break, and then, as is our tradition, we will conclude our camp with a closing speech by our Chairman and President, based on his evaluations covering all the discussions during this camp process and his messages regarding other policy areas," he said.

Emphasizing that their primary agenda while following this entire political process is the policy of massacre in Gaza, Çelik said, "As you know, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution for July 11 to be observed as a memorial day regarding the 1995 Srebrenica massacre. This is extremely valuable. It has an even greater meaning in these days. That policy of massacre, of which the Miloševićes were the symbol, was punished. And, albeit very late, this decision was taken to keep the memories of the victims of the 1995 Srebrenica massacre alive and to honor them. Our only wish is that it is not too late for Gaza and that no more of this is allowed. Today, Netanyahu is committing many times more than what the Miloševićes did." 

Therefore, it is time for the world to put an end to this. The statements made by our President on this matter are reflected exactly in the decisions of international courts. Look, if we follow the process from the beginning, we clearly see that the principles and values put forward by our President on this issue have been adopted in the same way by both the International Criminal Court and the International Court of Justice. Naturally, the conscience of the world is reacting to this, and significant progress is being made regarding the recognition of the State of Palestine in order to fulfill a right.

For this reason, the steps taken by Ireland, Spain, and subsequently Norway and Slovenia are very important in terms of delivering justice. We express that this must continue. More recognition will mean more pressure on Netanyahu," he said.

AUSTERITY MEASURES AT THE CAMP

In response to the question, "Are austerity measures being implemented at the camp?", Çelik replied, "Austerity measures apply in every field. This camp is taking place because it is traditionally a consultation camp, but of course, we are carrying it out at a minimum level, adhering to the measures you mentioned, with minimal resources. However, politics is about discussing the issues of the country. Austerity is also being practiced for the sake of the country. Politics is also being conducted within this framework for that same reason."