Erdoğan to Özgür Özel: He could not digest our return visit

President and AKP Chairman Recep Tayyip Erdoğan answered questions from journalists on the plane upon his return from his visit to Spain and Italy.

Describing his contacts in the two countries, Erdoğan also spoke about Turkish politics.

STATEMENT ON THE RETURN VISIT

Evaluating the statements made by CHP leader Özgür Özel following his visit to the CHP Headquarters, Erdoğan said, "There were some statements made from the CHP. We wanted to bring a softening, a courtesy to politics by making a return visit. But those who did not understand this courtesy held a press conference in Istanbul, and it is clear that they remained under the influence of someone there. It seems they received approval from certain places. These are, of course, not right things, not beautiful things. They are not things that contribute to the process. In other words, this is not softening. It is not bringing a new beginning to politics. It seems they could not digest our return visit. If the friend at the head of the CHP could have digested this return visit, he would not have felt the need to make such a statement."

BAHÇELİ HAD SAID AKP SHOULD FORM AN ALLIANCE WITH CHP

MHP leader Devlet Bahçeli, in his statement following the Erdoğan-Özel meeting, had said, "Whatever we do, whatever we say, it is for the benefit of Turkey and the Turkish nation. In this context, if the Nationalist Movement Party is perceived and described as a barrier to making the ordered atmosphere of normalization and softening sustainable, and if a broad alliance has been formed on this matter, the responsibility that falls to us is to risk every kind of sacrifice for the sake of our country and nation, and to do what is necessary with peace of mind," and added, "Considering the fact that the dissatisfied segment within the AK Party is constantly muddying the waters, it is the sincere wish and desire of the Nationalist Movement Party that a broad-based alliance be formed between the AK Party and the CHP, with the support of the other elements of the Table of Six."

'HE SHOULD NOT PUSH HIS ACCOMPLICE TOWARDS US'

CHP leader Özel, following this statement by Bahçeli, had responded by saying, "A text has been prepared that contains both a rupture and a loyalty, both a reproach, both a hope, and a threat to solve the problems. We are not occupied with any of these. Let me also extend an invitation to Mr. Bahçeli. If he is not satisfied with his alliance, he can join our alliance. The name of our alliance is the Turkey Alliance. Therefore, there is no need to unite political parties or to propose an alliance between the CHP and another political party. Let him come and join the Turkey Alliance... Let no one propose an alliance or anything to us, because those responsible for today will bear this responsibility. Mr. Bahçeli should not take such an easy way out. He should not bring the country to this state and then push his accomplice towards us. Either they solve these problems, or they leave them and we will solve them."

The questions asked to Erdoğan and his answers are as follows:

THE PALESTINE ISSUE

What do the commercial and cultural ties between Turkey and Spain promise for the two countries, especially the common stances they have taken regarding Palestine, and what should we expect for the whole world and humanity?

It is gratifying to see that our feelings, reservations, and objections are common with Spain in the face of Israel's massacres that disregard international law. Especially regarding the recognition of Palestine as a state, Spain has proven to be a lighthouse guiding the ship of humanity in pitch darkness. Both its calls to stir the conscience of humanity and its courageous and determined practices have cemented this. However, new lighthouses are needed for the ship of humanity to continue its journey without accidents or trouble. Our looking in the same direction as Spain on the Palestine issue is important for the following reason: Spain is, as you know, a member of the European Union, and besides being a member of the European Union, it is also a country with which we are together in NATO. It is of great importance in terms of putting its heart into the rightful resistance of Palestine in the face of Israel's attitude that disregards international law, and immediately after that, the beginning of some disintegration among European countries. I believe that Spain's stance, especially regarding the recognition of Palestine as a state, will bring about disintegration among the states that support Israel one way or another. As a matter of fact, in our brief conversations with Sanchez, there were approaches like “this will continue.” In order to pass the Palestine test that humanity is facing, I think more countries need to bravely say “stop” to Israel and stand by peace. But when countries like Spain take this step, I hope the number of countries that will stand by peace will also increase. We, Spain, and our other friends must continue to promise peace to humanity and increase our efforts for this.

What do you think about the implementation and enforcement of the ceasefire decision taken by the United Nations Security Council regarding Gaza? Will a ceasefire be achieved in the short term? Also, has a new momentum begun regarding the recognition of the Palestinian state? Do you think this momentum will yield a result? How do you see the possibility?

If you pay attention to the steps taken by the United Nations Security Council to date, the United States has always been the intersection point. It will most likely be the same here. In fact, this is the point that our thesis “the world is bigger than five” points to. Because when it comes to decisions that need to be taken against Israel, America blocks the United Nations Security Council. My concern is that it will block the Council in some way in the current ceasefire decision as well. However, whether it is one way or another, the most important step for us is the decisions that come out of the United Nations General Assembly, beyond the United Nations Security Council. In the positive decisions that came out of the United Nations General Assembly, what did nearly 150 countries do? They thought as we did and stood by Palestine. We need to carry these further. If we succeed in this, this approach will hopefully pull the United Nations Security Council to a certain point over time. In fact, the current situation is also an opportunity for the UN. If the UN structure wants to regain its reputation, which has been razed to the ground by some lawless countries, especially Israel, it must evaluate this opportunity very well. Stopping Israel will not only ensure peace in Gaza, but will also suppress the Israeli attacks carried out against the UN system, international law, and human rights. This responsibility primarily rests on the shoulders of the members of the United Nations Security Council. If we do not want the end of the United Nations to be like the League of Nations, we are obliged to ensure this. As we always say, the path to final peace in the region passes through a two-state solution. This formula brings a permanent solution with it. The recognition of Palestine as a state by the Security Council members could change the climate in the region.

'BIDEN IS ALSO NOW PASSING A SINCERITY TEST'

There is a three-stage ceasefire plan personally announced by US President Joe Biden. However, we know that Israel has sabotaged these ceasefire efforts many times before. For example, Joe Biden had announced that there would be a ceasefire before the month of Ramadan, but it did not happen. Israel had not complied with it. Do you see this ground as suitable for being hopeful this time? That is, do you think Israel will comply with this three-stage ceasefire plan personally announced by Joe Biden this time? Are you hopeful?

When we look at it roughly, we are pleased with this statement. But this is not enough to pull the five permanent members of the UNSC to the side of Palestine. We need to look at this specifically. I believe that the United States is also uncomfortable with Israel's increasing arrogance. Even if the American administration does not express this discomfort openly, the voices rising from American universities, streets, students, and rectors show that a certain transformation has begun here. This also seriously disturbs Israel. Everyone is now sure that this caravan cannot go on like this. Hopefully, with the upcoming final elections in America, the atmosphere could develop much differently. There are statements we have made after this statement by Biden. There are statements made by many countries in the world on this issue. I hope we will all take the right steps together, and the decisions that will come out of the United Nations Security Council on this issue will develop in a much different direction from now on. It is naturally expected from Mr. Biden to prove that this plan is not an election investment, but a step taken truly and sincerely to end the massacres in Palestine. A Security Council decision is a step, but it is not enough. We all know how many decisions on paper are ignored by Israel. Mr. Biden is also now passing a sincerity test.

ELECTIONS IN SYRIA

The so-called election that the terrorist organization is trying to hold in Syria was postponed after Turkey's decision and stance, but it was not cancelled, and there is a possibility of them trying again. If they try to hold this election again, what will be Turkey's stance?

First of all, let us state that there is no election. There is a game staged to legitimize the terrorist organization and establish a “terroristan” in the region. We have clearly shown how skilled we are in spoiling games in the previous processes. Of course, the Syrian administration will definitely not give them permission to take comfortable steps or move at this point, they will not. Our Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan was in Moscow. They discussed these issues in detail with Mr. Putin in Moscow. He had meetings with the Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Lavrov. Hopefully, there will be no opportunity for the PKK terrorist organization and others to move comfortably in Syria. As soon as such a situation occurs, we will mobilize our relevant units as necessary. We will not allow a “terroristan” to be established right under our noses. We will never, ever refrain from doing what is necessary for this.

EUROFIGHTER ISSUE

Did the Eurofighter issue come up during this visit? There is a blockade by Germany; will it be possible to overcome this?

We discussed this issue with Mr. Sanchez. As you know, Spain's training aircraft are important. They have the chance or capability to give us some of these training aircraft. But I told them about our situation regarding assistance in this matter at the point of contact with Germany. He expressed that he could have such a meeting regarding the Eurofighter. But above all, the Eurofighter is important for us right now. Germany has also softened on this issue. Our relevant ministers are having the necessary meetings with their counterparts, and they will continue to do so. Our basic approach is clear: we primarily want to meet our needs from our NATO allies. However, if a negative result is obtained at the end of the process, we are not without alternatives. Our KAAN has now taken flight. In the coming periods, after the mass production begins and the process of entry into the inventory is completed, we will no longer have a problem in this regard. We had experienced a similar process in unmanned aerial vehicles for a period. At that time, we could not get them from our allies either. Then what happened, we produced our unmanned aerial vehicles at the highest quality. Now, many countries have started knocking on Turkey's door to be able to buy them.

CALL TO EUROPE

You mentioned the European Parliament elections at the beginning of your speech. We have been observing the rise of far-right and racist parties in Europe for several years. Finally, they gained significant power at the ballot box in many countries in the European Parliament elections. How will this situation affect Turkey-European Union relations, will Turkey determine a new strategy regarding this new situation that has emerged?

It would not be an exaggeration to say that the needle is in our favor in the steps we will take, especially with the European Union member countries. Regarding this issue, most of the parties participating in the European Parliament elections from the European Union now accept how right Turkey is. For example, one of them is Spanish Prime Minister Sanchez. He expressed to us that he appreciates Turkey's stance. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz also shows a positive stance at this point. He is also among those who look favorably on Turkey. We will look to our own business. In this process, there are opportunities that Turkey has captured in Germany, England, and France. We will continue to try these opportunities by standing strong. We have been pointing out the approaching danger for a long time. We explained to our counterparts that the racism rising in Europe is a danger and that it should not be allowed.

Countries that open their streets and squares to insults against people's sacred values and to xenophobia, and that pat them on the back because it suits their interests, have now faced the reality they ignored. This is exactly the boomerang effect we often talk about. It is essential for Europe to act with the understanding of “better late than never” and to implement realistic measures. Otherwise, this fire will reach a size that will burn everyone. A similar danger is also in question regarding terrorism. I repeat our call to Europe before the pitcher is broken. Let us fight against all kinds of terrorism without discrimination. Let us remove the scourge of terrorism from our agenda once and for all together.

'THE PEOPLE'S ALLIANCE IS NOT A TABLE OF SIX'

When we set out, MHP Chairman Mr. Devlet Bahçeli made some important statements, Mr. President. We followed this from the plane. I would like to share some of his expressions with you and I request your evaluations on this matter, sir. In his statement, which is based on the search for normalization in politics, Mr. Bahçeli used the following expressions; “It is observed that a new and unknown equation is wanted to be established based on the search for normalization and softening between political parties. In this context, if the Nationalist Movement Party is perceived and described as a barrier to making the ordered atmosphere of normalization and softening sustainable, and if a broad alliance has been formed on this matter, the responsibility that falls to us is to risk every kind of sacrifice for the sake of our country and nation, and to do what is necessary with peace of mind,” he said, and then mentioned the dissatisfied segment within the AK Party. “If those who constantly muddy the waters are taken into account, it is the sincere wish and desire of the MHP that a broad-based alliance be formed between the AK Party and the CHP, with the support of the other elements of the Table of Six,” he continued, and then said, “We respect the meetings held and the relationships established by our President, and the bilateral contacts he has carried out, and we act with renunciation once again to further relieve his state, taking initiative without expectation, and we share this preference with our beloved nation.” Mr. President, how did you evaluate these statements and sentences, sir?

The statement made by Mr. Devlet Bey was made with a statesmanlike approach, calmly, without giving any opportunity for any discussion. The fact that he closed the subject in this way is, in my opinion, quite appropriate. As the People's Alliance, we will never compromise our stance. Our party spokesperson Mr. Ömer Çelik has already made the necessary statements in detail. If you notice, there is no provocation or bickering in these statements. There is only a clear stance. Mr. Ömer's statement was appropriate in terms of stating our party's stance as a party to the People's Alliance. On the other hand, there were some statements made from the CHP. We wanted to bring a softening, a courtesy to politics by making a return visit. But those who did not understand this courtesy held a press conference in Istanbul, and it is clear that they remained under the influence of someone there. It seems they received approval from certain places. These are, of course, not right things, not beautiful things. They are not things that contribute to the process. In other words, this is not softening. It is not bringing a new beginning to politics. It seems they could not digest our return visit. If the friend at the head of the CHP could have digested this return visit, he would not have felt the need to make such a statement. In the face of such a statement, I, as the President and as the Chairman of the Justice and Development Party, find it wrong even to respond to it. But no matter what they do, we will continue our same stance and our same solidarity as the People's Alliance. Let me also say this, the People's Alliance is not a Table of Six. Those who take part in the Table of Six should do as they please.

MEETING WITH ÖZEL AND THE NEW CONSTITUTION

Mr. President, one of the important issues on the agenda is the new constitution. This also came to the agenda in your meeting with Özgür Özel. Will Turkey be able to make a contemporary and civil new constitution now? What do you think?

Turkey can take a step by putting the new constitution on its agenda in this new period. The truth underlying our making these visits was the search for “can we meet under the title of making such a constitution with the CHP, even if it seems contrary?” We made our proposal. I saw an approach from them that came to the point of “why not.” However, when an approach that we unfortunately did not desire emerged two days later, this situation did not fail to sadden us. Turkey needs to get rid of the shame of the coup constitution now. This is the primary duty of the political institution and the Parliament to the nation. No political party can escape this obligation. Both the initiatives of our Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmuş and our contacts have revealed that the time has come to take a step for a new constitution. The fact that some changes have been made in the current constitution does not mean that the spirit of the coup has been erased from our constitution. Moreover, since 1982, the world has changed, Turkey has developed, and new needs have emerged. An ideal constitution that fully serves the needs of the nation is the debt of politics to this nation.

INFLATION

It is seen that the target is being approached in the policies implemented regarding inflation. What is the target for full relief, Mr. President?

We will wait for the last quarter of the year. Hopefully, these will be fully seen in the last quarter of the year. We are keeping things tight right now. But the whole issue comes down to the interest rate event again. Hopefully, with the steps we will take on interest rates, we will have moved inflation to a much more positive position in the last quarter. As a matter of fact, policies aimed at balancing the economy are bearing fruit. The current account deficit has decreased significantly. As of May, our annual exports exceeded 260 billion dollars. The decline in our imports continues in the same way. Our Central Bank reserves have reached the highest level in our history with 146.2 billion dollars. The increase in reserves will continue. We are not compromising on our fight against exorbitant price increases and opportunism, which are among the reasons that trigger the cost of living. We will not allow those who bleed the nation's food and bread to open their eyes. We will carry out this critical process with sensitivity by maintaining fiscal discipline on one hand, encouraging savings in the public sector, and increasing inspections on the other.