Flash statement from Erdoğan after meeting with Özel: 'We have entered a period of softening'

President and AKP Chairman Recep Tayyip Erdoğan made statements following Friday prayers at the Çilehane Mosque in Üsküdar.

Highlights from Erdoğan's statements are as follows:

"His realization of such a visit after becoming Chairman has actually been a positive development between the ruling party and the main opposition. In previous periods, such steps were not taken. With this step being taken, we see that politics in our country has entered a much more softening period. I also told Mr. Özgür that I would return the visit at the first opportunity. Turkey needs this. I want to initiate a process of political softening in Turkey by paying this visit at the first opportunity."

DECISION TO HALT TRADE WITH ISRAEL

The elections are over, we have taken this step. Netanyahu is ruthless. Unfortunately, he has shown this against these children, women, and the elderly. He does not have the means at his disposal. The entire West is working for Israel. Starting with the US, they are working for Israel."