Erdoğan defends LGS scandal with 'Imam Hatip' argument! 'They must apologize to families and children'

AKP Chairman and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan made statements regarding the agenda to journalists on the plane returning from the TRNC.

Erdoğan stated, "The key to a solution in Cyprus is a two-state solution." Declaring that "Turkey's Cyprus policy is clear," Erdoğan added, "We will not be part of any process that does not guarantee the sovereign equality and security of the Turkish Cypriot people."

Speaking about the LGS results, which have been at the center of debate due to allegations of irregularities, Erdoğan said, "It is a great act of rudeness; they must apologize to the innocent children."

NEW RECONCILIATION PROCESS

Touching upon the new reconciliation process, of which MHP leader Devlet Bahçeli is the architect, Erdoğan said, "We continue to take steps to reach our goal of a 'Turkey without terrorism.' You will soon witness progress being made on the floor of the Parliament. We are determined to build a future without terrorism. We know very clearly what we will do, how we will do it, and where we will end up to reach our goal."

The questions posed to Erdoğan and his responses are as follows:

The leaders of two political parties established in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, the New Cyprus Party and the United Cyprus Party, visited the leader of the Greek Cypriot Administration in Southern Cyprus on the anniversary of the events in 1958 when the Greeks massacred Turks. They requested that a census be conducted under UN supervision, that international observers be brought in for the October elections, and that Turkey be reported to international institutions. How did you receive this visit? The leader of the Greek Cypriot Administration said he would invite you to the South during the EU presidency. Would you consider attending if such an invitation were extended?

I have no intention of making such a visit to the South. Because just as they do not accept the TRNC as a state, we do not accept Southern Cyprus as a state. Therefore, there is no place for such a meeting with them in my book. These are marginal initiatives that do not reflect the will of the Turkish Cypriot people. Turkish Cypriots are a part of our soul. No one can damage this bond of affection between us; no one can call the heroic children of Turkey, who went to the island of Cyprus only for peace, "occupiers." The Turkish Cypriot people do not even open the guarantor status of the motherland Turkey and its legitimate presence on the Island to debate. While historical facts and our national memory are clear, the treachery committed will of course be punished by the Turkish Cypriot people at the ballot box. The Greek side has shown many times that it has not wanted a solution until now. They do not want equality and justice; they want to make the Turkish Cypriot a pariah in their own homeland. Some mindless people are also openly encouraging this. The key to a solution in Cyprus is a two-state solution; there is no compromise on this. Turkey's Cyprus policy is clear; we will not be part of any process that does not guarantee the sovereign equality and security of the Turkish Cypriot people.

As of the point reached in Syria, although there is some fragility, a ceasefire has been achieved. We know that Turkey has made very serious contributions to this. Syrian President Ahmed Shara thanked Turkey for these contributions. My question is, what happened during this process? What was experienced while Turkey was taking the initiative in this process? And what are your expectations for the future?

Syrian President Ahmed Shara has taken a firm stance there. There is no question of any concession so far. Israel is constantly trying to set the entire region on fire. In the face of this effort, the process has been continued cautiously with this stance of Syria. It is a matter of Syria taking control of the region with about 2,500 of its soldiers. With the steps taken recently, they have established control. Thus, dominance has been established in the South. The Syrian people, with all their segments, have learned lessons from the pains they experienced in the past and are absolutely not thinking of falling for these games. They have achieved reconciliation between the Druze and other segments here. In my opinion, Syrian President Ahmed Shara took a very positive step here. We discussed this stance in the phone call I had with him. We learned what his demands from us are and what they are not. We also told them that we would provide all kinds of support. Our Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan is in constant contact with the Special Representative and the Secretary of State of the United States. Similarly, our MIT President İbrahim Kalın and our Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler are also meeting with their counterparts. Finally, in the region, this force of 2,500 people equipped with light weapons was allowed to go to As-Suwayda. Meetings had been continuing in Amman for two days. Tribal leaders, Jordanians, and the US Special Representative are in constant contact with us. As-Suwayda is surrounded. There is a problem regarding allowing the units to enter or not. As you know, while two of the three branches of the Druze are extremely compatible, one of the branches is acting with Israel. They do not stop causing trouble. For this reason, clashes can continue inside from time to time. Police cannot enter, soldiers cannot enter; they are around the city. At least they prevented elements from coming from outside. In the ongoing negotiations in Amman, the parties, except for the one Druze faction we mentioned, said "yes" to voluntarily complying with the ceasefire. In fact, a very constructive atmosphere has been created on the Syrian issue. While all the actors who cannot come together are coming together on the issue of Syria, it is necessary to explain well to the world that Israel is disrupting this stability project. We think we have explained this. The Americans understand that they need to take more ownership of this issue. The fundamental problem is the conflict between the parties. But the even greater strategic problem is Israel's attempt to occupy the region by using this conflict as an excuse. As you know, Israel does not want stability in the region anyway. It thinks that a unified Syria will not be good for it and continues such provocations.

The first serious step has been taken on the path to the goal of a “Turkey without terrorism.” Weapons have been burned. Will there be a continuation of this? How will it come? Are things going well in the “Turkey without terrorism” process? Also, is the organization's Syrian branch, the PYD, resisting entering the process a little? What is your thought on this?

We continue to take steps to reach our goal of a “Turkey without terrorism.” Progress continues in line with this ultimate goal. We are also extremely careful so that the process is not affected by provocations. We are on alert against all sabotage and structures that will disrupt our “Turkey without terrorism” goal. As you know, laying down arms has begun. Our relevant friends are doing the necessary follow-up and providing contacts. As far as I know, the negotiations regarding the commission have also reached the final stage. You will soon witness progress being made on the floor of the Parliament. We are determined to build a future without terrorism. We know very clearly what we will do, how we will do it, and where we will end up to reach our goal. The events taking place in our region once again reveal the correctness of this step we have taken. Currently, Imralı has given and is giving all kinds of support regarding this issue. This dimension of the matter is very, very important. The stance of the YPG can undergo all kinds of changes at any moment. How this approach will reflect on the SDF, which is an extension of them, is also important. In recent developments, the stance of Syrian President Shara has, in my opinion, also eliminated their coming together in a negative sense. We are determined; we will not leave Ahmed Shara alone in Syria. We do not want the disintegration of Syria; we also see the recovery of Syria as positive for our country. Because the recovery of Syria will also positively affect its relations with us. We see that the voluntary return of Syrians in our country to their countries has begun. Whereas there was a hopelessness that “they will not return.” Now they have started voluntary returns. We will also provide all kinds of support to accelerate voluntary returns. We want Syria to normalize rapidly with the acceleration of these returns, and for us to secure our South.

Turkey continues to make a difference in the world with its breakthroughs in the Defense Industry. Will there be new good news in our domestic and national defense systems in the coming period?

When we came to power, we made an intense effort to compensate for the time Turkey lost in the field of the defense industry. The effective steps we took and the seeds we planted have created productive results. The point we have reached is important, but in our opinion, it is not enough. We are planning and rapidly taking steps that will add strength to our power. The infrastructure moves and nanotechnological facility investments of our defense industry companies continue. Our goal is to be completely self-sufficient in the field of defense. “Fully independent Turkey” does not happen with slogans. It happens with such visionary steps and hard work. We are obliged to act with the awareness that “better is always possible, and we do it.” As you know, we made KAAN, and we walked on the runway with a reserve pilot next to us. We have made and are making AKINCI, ALTAY, HÜRJET, ATAK, TCG ANADOLU, and many more. We have things we have done as BAYKAR. We have things we have done outside of BAYKAR. With unmanned aerial vehicles, Turkey is currently a country that makes a name for itself in the world. This is a very, very important step for us. On the other side, when you look at armored carriers, we are in a very good position. Demands are coming one after another. At sea, likewise... Turkey is in a very important position in frigates. Orders are coming constantly. We cannot keep up with the orders right now. We have serious orders from many countries, including Pakistan. As you know, we built our multi-purpose amphibious assault ship TCG ANADOLU. Now we have talked to the Spaniards to build the second one, a superior version of it. They also say, “we are definitely in for this.” Hopefully, we plan to finish this new aircraft carrier in 2-3 years and continue our journey with it. We discussed this issue with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez. He says, “we are in.” Hopefully, we will succeed in this with the Spaniards. Thus, we will have finished the upper segment of our ship. We have steps taken with England and Germany regarding the purchase of jet aircraft. The British and Germans are also approaching this positively. I believe that we will get our jet aircraft as soon as possible. In my meetings with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, I saw that they look at the issue positively, and hopefully, we will take these steps.

If the “Turkey without terrorism” process continues successfully, some arguments put forward as obstacles in the negotiations with the European Union will naturally disappear. In this case, do you expect developments such as the continuation of negotiations and visa liberalization?

Not a single day should be wasted for the revitalization and advancement of Turkey's membership negotiations. These developments should already be happening without waiting for any new steps. We tell all our counterparts from the European Union with whom we are in contact that we strongly maintain our goal of full membership. When the Union handles this issue in a strategic and visionary way, there is no obstacle in front of them to take immediate action. The political barriers placed against Turkey must be removed immediately. We expect EU countries to continue relations with a fair and egalitarian approach. We expect them to understand that it is not possible to advance relations with a double-standard attitude that we have seen many times until today. When what is happening in Europe and its surroundings and the disagreements within the EU are taken into account, the Union's need for a dynamic and solution-oriented member like Turkey will be seen. As I have said before, the last exit before the bridge for the EU is Turkey. The world is changing; Europe has already changed. Breaking free from the influence of obsolete, obsessive political understandings could be a move for the European Union that grasps the new era and carries the Union into the future. As Turkey, we are ready for full membership.

I want to ask about Gaza. From time to time, news comes that “we are close to a ceasefire,” but there is still no ceasefire. Most recently, the al-Qassam Brigades said, “we are ready for a long war of attrition.” Last night, the Ministry of Health in Gaza said, “as of the morning, all ambulance sirens will ring for people dying of hunger.” It is stated that 18 people have died of hunger in the last 24 hours. On one hand, Israel is calculating to send those living in Gaza to other countries. They most recently hit a church as well. What would you like to say about these steps taken by the genocidal Israeli administration?

The people of Gaza have not surrendered so far, and I believe they will not surrender. Israel, on the other hand, is attacking everywhere like a crazed monster, and hopefully, it will be the victim of this ambition. We have never taken Gaza off our agenda and we will not. We will continue to stand by Gaza. We are constantly following the steps of the United States on this issue. Our Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan and the American Secretary of State are constantly talking. The international community, which constantly supports Israel, is no longer in a position to hide anything. Everyone agrees on what needs to be done. They have entered a spiral of helplessness. They are pushing very hard for a ceasefire. There are currently three issues in the ceasefire negotiations. First; where will Israeli soldiers stand after the ceasefire, in which withdrawal zones? Second; the Hamas and Israeli sides have not been able to reach a full agreement on “how food aid will be distributed” currently. Third; if a 60-day ceasefire is achieved, Israel needs to make a commitment that the ceasefire will continue after the hostages are released. This is Hamas's demand. Israel does not want to do this either. America, Egypt, and Qatar are trying to find a middle ground with our support as well. In other words, we are in a position of saying, let's not have something like this happen; hostages were released, there was a 60-day ceasefire, and 60 days later, we returned to today's situation. If a commitment regarding the permanence of the ceasefire cannot be obtained, that is, if there is no coercive system, Hamas's acceptance of this will only be a choice. The choice of whether to die today or 60 days later... Therefore, there is a serious bargaining process continuing at this point.

I want to ask a question about the Zangezur Corridor. A proposal for this corridor to be leased to the United States was voiced for the first time. I am curious about your views on this, sir.

The Zangezur Corridor will benefit not only Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Turkey but also other countries in the region. We see this line as an extremely important issue in terms of its geoeconomic dimension as well. Indeed, this line will connect geographies beyond our region to each other and will revitalize trade. Our fundamental expectation is that this line becomes a symbol of consensus, not a source of dispute. Thanks to this, the region will be an area of prosperity where cooperation prevails. I believe that as regional countries, we can resolve this issue with consensus. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev attaches great importance to Zangezur. He wants to prepare the line as soon as possible and use and evaluate it both for Azerbaijan and for the region. I believe that we will solve it together.

Your emphasis on the internal front, your “Turkey without terrorism” goal, and your call for a “Jerusalem alliance” stand out as the main axes of Turkey's new roadmap. How will these three headings chart a direction for our country in both domestic and foreign policy? What kind of socio-cultural contributions will they provide to Turkey's development?

We have put forward a model that will set an example for our region and the world. Despite the fires of war burning around us, we prioritize peace and stability under all conditions. While pursuing such an active policy abroad, we cannot ignore the issues within us. A Turkey with a strong internal front will accelerate both its social and economic development. I have said it before. The cost of the terror scourge to our country exceeds 2 trillion dollars. Now, these resources will be spent on more efficient, economically value-added investments. It will go to the worker, the retiree, the civil servant, the industrialist, the merchant, and the farmer. Thus, we will prevent terrorism from finding ground, and we will shift our economic resources not to the fight against terrorism, but to production and technology, and we are importantly continuing our efforts in this field. We will continue on our way without stopping with the infrastructure investments we will make.

We witnessed the process of the LGS top scorers debate, and this situation was perceived as a deliberate attack on Imam Hatip high schools. In your opinion, what lies behind the opposition's frequent targeting of Imam Hatip high schools?

The academic achievements of Imam Hatip schools, especially in the fields of science and social sciences, are increasing. This situation seems to have disturbed some segments. There is only one explanation for the immoral smear campaign that has been carried out for days; that is hostility toward Imam Hatip schools. It is truly unacceptable. A person cannot lie so brazenly. Why are you insulting these children who have achieved so much success in the LGS? How can you target these children, who currently have such a high success graph at Kartal Anatolian Imam Hatip and other Imam Hatips, by holding up photo frames like this? It is a great act of rudeness. It is impossible to explain the success graph in the LGS with any corruption. “Support was given from here and there, this happened, that happened,” all of it is a lie, all of it is slander. These are our children who have achieved the result with the strength of their wrists and the strength of their minds... But you look, the efforts of innocent children who are only 12-13 years old are being smeared. Look, this is exactly what we meant when we said “toxic politics.” Politics cannot be done with the understanding of “throw mud, let it stick”; even if it is done, it is not called politics. May God grant them to their mothers, fathers, and our nation. I would also like to say this: We handle the issue of exam security in an extremely sensitive manner. The whole world knows how successful Turkey is in terms of exam security. If they have an ounce of dignity, the only thing they need to do is to come out and openly apologize to those innocent children and their families whom they had lynched on social media. Otherwise, they will continue to be remembered as slanderers.

Sir, you have frequently emphasized three children both during your Prime Ministry and your Presidency. You have gradually strengthened this emphasis. Finally, the 2025 Year of the Family, followed by the 10 Years of Family and Population... What kind of improvement are we targeting as Turkey at the end of 10 years?

Currently, our Ministry of Family and Social Services is engaged in intense work and effort regarding this issue. Our fertility rate has currently fallen to a little below 1.5. This is not a good sign. We came here from levels of 3. Whereas our goal was much different. But as of now, we are not in a good place. What can we do for this? I also gave instructions to our Minister of Family and Social Services, Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş, to intensify her work on this. We want to increase all our work on this issue. Let us get in touch with all universities. We are in search of “what can we do so that we enter a recovery again right now?” The population issue is a strategic issue for our country. As the government, we will continue to take steps to encourage population growth. We have a social potential that can provide an increase in fertility again with the right incentives. Our “10 Years of Family and Population” program covers not only financial support but also socio-cultural projects that strengthen the institution of the family. Within the scope of the “Year of the Family,” our steps to support the institution of the family continue without slowing down this year. Finally, a few days ago, we shared with the public the right to part-time work after birth or adoption granted to female and male civil servants.