Breaking News: Erdoğan's first comments on the commission's Imralı decision! Notable remarks on Kılıçdaroğlu...

AKP Chairman and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who was in South Africa for the G20 Leaders' Summit, answered questions from journalists on the plane during his return.

Erdoğan evaluated the decision by the commission established in the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM) to meet with terrorist leader Abdullah Öcalan in Imralı as part of the second reconciliation process, dubbed 'Terror-Free Turkey.' Erdoğan "We evaluate the latest decision taken by the commission as one that paves the way for the process, will contribute to the process, and will accelerate the elimination of terrorism" he stated.

It was noted that Erdoğan did not make any comments regarding the CHP's decision not to visit Imralı.

"KILIÇDAROĞLU HAS BEEN DISTURBED BY THE SNAKES THEY NURTURED AND HAS REBELLED"

Regarding Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu's statement targeting the CHP, Erdoğan said the following:

"We see that Mr. Kılıçdaroğlu has also been disturbed by the snakes they nurtured in their bosoms and has rebelled. He says he is disturbed by the mentality that drags the CHP into a vortex of bribery, extortion, theft, and corruption. This means there is a bribery ring. He admits it himself. Today, the sole agenda of the CHP administration is to cover up the terrible allegations before the judiciary, to divert attention elsewhere, and to prevent the swamp the party has fallen into from being seen by making noise. We hope the CHP members can save their party from this octopus that surrounds it."

The Q&A session held on the plane is as follows:

QUESTION - The theme of the first G20 meeting was "Inclusive and sustainable economic growth without leaving anyone behind." In this context, what are the new economic measures for both Turkey and the world to ensure that the caravan does not get stuck on the road or that no one is left behind?

First of all, the session title is not just a slogan; it is the very essence of the search for global justice. Unfortunately, the world economy has been deeply wounded by the troubles we have experienced in the last few years. We have faced many severe challenges, from the pandemic to hot conflicts, from coercive processes called "trade wars" to migration, the climate crisis, and natural disasters. As Turkey, we have also been affected by all these processes. However, we have managed to emerge successfully from all these difficult trials and are recovering rapidly. Today, countries are very easily affected by negative developments and crises anywhere in the world. For this reason, we can ensure sustainable development in a global sense not through the efforts of one or two countries, but through collective and decisive steps. Therefore, we always prioritize cooperation in both international platforms and our bilateral meetings, and we demonstrate the necessity for countries to approach each other with a "win-win" understanding in economic terms as well. We must diversify our economies and make them resilient against crises. Energy security is no longer a luxury; it is a strategic necessity. An important concept we underline at this point is inclusivity. The understanding of "let only me and the elite countries around me win" is, in our view, flawed and far from sustainable. A fairer world is possible. As long as major states sincerely implement policies that put people at the center.

QUESTION - The peace plan in Gaza belonged to Trump, and in a sense, he is actually the guarantor of the ceasefire... But unfortunately, this situation could not prevent the massacre in Gaza. Will you make an initiative regarding this matter before Trump? What can restrain Netanyahu from this point on?

I believe that if the international community demonstrates a determined, consistent, and sanction-capable will, it will stop Netanyahu. We are facing a brutality that breaks its word in an instant and commits murder without hesitation in plain sight. Everyone should now understand that Israel does not speak the truth, produces excuses to kill people, and oppresses the Palestinians. Hamas is showing great patience against all these provocations by Israel and remains committed to the ceasefire. The full implementation of this ceasefire is essential. Meanwhile, Palestinians are struggling with the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. Supporting their difficult struggle is a debt of all countries. Especially those countries that have made Israel so reckless must take responsibility immediately. Unfortunately, the United Nations has not been able to fulfill its duty to date. It is essential that the United Nations makes its weight felt with the steps to be taken from now on. Increasing diplomatic pressure on Israel to a noticeable degree and paving the way for unimpeded humanitarian aid to reach the region is an unavoidable necessity. Winter is beginning to make itself felt in the region. As Turkey, we continue our determination regarding the Gaza issue as we did on the first day.

QUESTION - You mentioned that the world has not reacted to Netanyahu's recklessness. But he seems to be continuing this recklessness. Because he visited his soldiers on Syrian territory. In the statement he made there, he said words that would mean "We stopped Turkey in Syria." Even the Israeli press made similar sentences. On one hand, it seems like a statement emphasizing that his main rival or the one blocking them is Turkey, not the rest of the world. He says this. On the other hand, he has these two sentences that mean "We want to reach an agreement with Turkey." How do you interpret this move, this recklessness of his?

First of all, we have said this many times. We are at the same point today. Nothing has changed. The territorial integrity of Syria is essential for us. The people of Syria will decide the fate of Syria. Turkey is the country that knows best what heavy costs even the slightest turmoil and instability in Syria create. It is known to everyone what steps we have taken before when our country's national security and peace were at stake. We do not want to face a similar threat and danger again, but if we do, we will do what is necessary. I always say, we have no eyes on anyone's land or sovereignty. We want peace, tranquility, and security in every inch of our region, especially in Syria, Iraq, and Lebanon. We want this for everyone, for all peoples, without any discrimination. In fact, the Israeli administration knows that every step it takes in the region is both illegal and a source of instability. Focus on what Turkey is doing rather than what the Israeli press is writing. You will get the result from there anyway. We do what we need to do within the framework of our own strategic priorities, and we will continue to do so.

QUESTION - US President Donald Trump presented a 28-point peace proposal to Ukraine. But Ukraine opposes this, saying, "It is a great threat to our sovereignty" and "It is unacceptable." It was also written and drawn that the parties would meet and talk in Geneva. What is your view on this peace plan? That is, do you think it has a framework that can be agreed upon?

Creating a foundation for peace in Ukraine is a matter we have long been striving for. We have discussed our thoughts on Ukraine with American President Donald Trump on various occasions. We believe that a fair peace has no losers. We are of the opinion that the path to achieving a fair peace lies in negotiation and coming together. Now, it is being debated whether the proposed peace plan can serve as a foundation. Is an agreement on this plan possible? Yes, it is possible. But how? This is what needs to be focused on. If the plan addresses the legitimate expectations and security needs of the parties in a way that does not create new instabilities, an agreement is possible. We believe that consensus can be achieved through negotiations initiated with agreed-upon topics and a positive agenda. If a foundation that satisfies everyone is created, the door to a lasting solution will open. Starting with the negotiation of proposals that will pave the way for a fair and lasting peace will positively influence the process. As Turkey, just as we played an important role in Istanbul before, we are ready to maintain the same constructive attitude today.

IMRALI STATEMENT

QUESTION - We have all followed the decision of the National Unity, Solidarity, Brotherhood, and Democracy Commission established in Parliament to visit Imralı. How do you evaluate the CHP's decision and stance not to take part in the delegation that will go to Imralı?

As the People's Alliance, we are conducting our 'Terror-Free Turkey' efforts in coordination. There is close dialogue both between Mr. Bahçeli and us, and between our colleagues and their counterparts in the MHP. Furthermore, we also receive the DEM Party delegation at certain intervals. With this working model, we have brought the process this far without any accidents or trouble. The commission established in Parliament was very important in terms of involving different political parties in the process and having them contribute. The commission has accomplished significant work under the leadership of our Speaker of Parliament. We have provided all kinds of contributions and support to the Commission. We have taken care to keep the 'Terror-Free Turkey' process away from the exhausting debates of daily politics. We evaluate the commission's latest decision as one that paves the way for the process, will contribute to the process, and will accelerate the elimination of terrorism. We have assigned our Hatay Deputy, Hüseyin Yayman, to represent our party. Mr. Hüseyin is a colleague who has worked on this issue for many years and previously served on our Wise Persons Committee. Due to his expertise in this subject, Mr. Hüseyin will participate in the work on behalf of our party. We will continue to act with patience, sincerity, courage, and determination until we reach the goal of a 'Terror-Free Turkey'.

“KILIÇDAROĞLU HAS REBELLED”

QUESTION - We are facing concrete findings, allegations, and indictments regarding the use of municipal facilities and resources by criminal organizations for profit. First of all, do you think that this order needs to be surgically intervened within an administrative and legal framework? The complementary part of this is the latest statement by the former Chairman of the Republican People's Party. He stated that the CHP should not be associated with the actors of the bribery network and that it should be cleansed of these bribery allegations. What would be your comment?

Municipalities are a trust from the nation to us administrators. Just like the seats we sit in and the offices we hold, they belong to the nation. Breaking the hands of those who attempt to reach out to the nation's trust and blocking the paths they have opened is the state's most fundamental duty. We have not allowed anyone to hand over even a penny of the nation to their gangs or interest groups, and we will not allow it from now on. Dear friends, if some have opened a path by tunneling through the existing system to carry water to their thefts, corruption, and bribery networks, let no one have any doubt, we will cut off those paths as well. We see that Mr. Kılıçdaroğlu is also disturbed by the snakes they have been feeding in their bosoms and has rebelled. He says he is disturbed by the mentality that drags the CHP into a vortex of bribery, extortion, theft, and corruption. This means there is a bribery network. He himself admits it. Today, the sole agenda of the CHP administration is to cover up the terrible allegations before the judiciary, to draw attention in other directions, and to prevent the swamp the party has fallen into from being seen by making noise. We hope the CHP members can rid themselves of this octopus that surrounds their party.

QUESTION - You have delivered the 350,000th residence in the earthquake zone. The cities destroyed after the disaster of the century are being rebuilt rapidly. But the opposition is also claiming here that the promises made were not kept and that what needed to be done was not done. How do you evaluate this? 

Dear friends, for years we have told our nation, and continue to tell them, that these people have eyes but do not see the truth, ears but do not hear the facts, and tongues but do not speak the truth. Look, we just handed over the keys to the 350,000th house in the earthquake zone. This is not an ordinary figure. If Aleppo is there, the yardstick is here. Go and see how the cities destroyed by the disaster of the century have risen again. However, because they only go there to ask for votes and have no interest whatsoever in the state of the nation, they are busy throwing mud. Remember how they attacked earthquake victims with heavy insults when they did not vote for them during the election. We do not forget, nor will we let be forgotten, anything done to our nation. Dear friends, the CHP, which cannot even provide basic municipal services to the nation, comes out and lectures us. My nation will never pay heed to the words of the CHP, which has condemned the largest cities to traffic and water shortages and cannot even collect their trash.

QUESTION- As new alliances form in the world, what are the main strategic development areas where Turkey can stand out as a 'rising power'? In which areas are you planning new moves?

First and foremost, Turkey is the shining star of our region and the world. We are making efforts to develop our country in every field. The strength of a country is measured by its ability to stand on its own two feet. We are charting our own path and building our own destiny with our own hands. We are aware of our country's potential and are striving to mobilize it, taking our steps in this direction. Increasing our domestic production capacity in areas such as high technology, energy, and research and development is among our primary goals. We are producing our own tanks, aircraft, and unmanned aerial vehicles. We attach great importance to protecting a strong family structure and neutralizing attacks against the family. In every field, we are thinking not just of today, but of the future—50 years, 100 years from now—and taking our steps accordingly. Just as there is a vast gap between the Turkey we inherited and the Turkey of today, the Turkey we will hand over to future generations will be far ahead of today.