AKP's Süleyman Soylu responds to 'reporter reaction' controversy: I've left it in my mind

Emphasizing that the meeting was President Erdoğan’s podium, Soylu said, “I do not answer questions there; if asked outside, I am more than happy to answer.”

AKP's Soylu stated, "I am not a regular at Parliament; I go as much as my strength allows, and I am waiting for the end of my term. Once my term is over, that's it. I have already left politics in my mind."

Süleyman Soylu made a statement on the subject on tv100. 

"ONCE MY TERM IS OVER, THAT'S IT"

Soylu said, “I do not get involved in investigations. I go to Parliament as much as my strength allows. I go to Parliament once a week, but I don't go very often. Because I am waiting for the end of my term. Once my term is over, that's it. I have left politics in my mind, but I have not left my cause, my loyalty to Erdoğan, and my ideas. I have been involved in these matters since my childhood; I have an idea. I did not engage in politics for a political position. It is very difficult for me to explain this to some people in Turkey.” 

"THAT PODIUM IS PRESIDENT ERDOĞAN'S PODIUM"

Süleyman Soylu continued his remarks: "Whose podium is the group meeting? It is President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s podium. I go there as a member of parliament. I go there to listen to Erdoğan, to listen to the message he will give us.

Well, wouldn't a journalist asking me a question about a daily issue at a group meeting and me answering it be an occupation of Erdoğan’s podium and agenda? This would be an act of occupation, that is what I think. I am a principled man. I will not answer there under any circumstances. We go outside, they ask; I am more than happy to answer.

Is Gülistan Doku a question to be asked in passing? Is that how it's done? It is not right for me to speak there. They came there and asked almost by sticking the camera into my eye.

It's as if someone is coming to take a photo. I nudged my friend next to me: ‘Fix your clothes, let’s not look bad in our friends' photos.’ I looked, they came and started asking questions about Gülistan Doku. I said, 'Who are you?', and they were offended by this. I said, 'Brother, did you get permission?', and they said, 'Our procedure is like this.' I also called Doğan Şentürk. I explained the situation and said I did not find it appropriate.

Is that how it's done? If it is respect for their profession, then it is respect for mine. Permission is obtained from the group leader, and they speak there, but I do not speak. I am a member of parliament; if I answer when a question is asked to me, I would be manipulating the President's speech.

After 2028, no one can make me do politics for even one day. Anyone who has information or documents and does not bring them forward is a coward."