Former President Abdullah Gül comments on 'İmamoğlu detention': 'What was done to us should not be done'

11th President Abdullah Gül spoke to Mehmet Ocaktan from Karar Newspaper.

Evaluating the operation conducted against Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu and municipal officials, Abdullah Gül stated, "I am following the process closely with concern."

Former President Gül evaluated the agenda with the following statements:

“I am following the process that began in recent days with the detention of the Istanbul Mayor and many people accompanying him closely and with concern.

It is truly regrettable that we have reached this point, which has found wide repercussions not only within Turkey but also abroad in the foreign press.

"I HAD DECLARED THAT I SUPPORTED THE PEACE PROCESS"

Yet, while confidence in the economic reform program was gradually increasing internally, we were able to talk about a recovery despite the problems in an economy that was taken over with very major issues. An environment of trust had begun to form again.

It is also known that we are entering a period in which we are going through critical developments in the political sense internally. We were about to capture the language of consensus and dialogue.

I had previously clearly declared that I supported the “peace process,” which was a historic step.

The possibility of overcoming a problem that has persisted for over 40 years by taking strategic steps patiently in this process, which was initiated very bravely, undoubtedly excited us all. It filled us with hope.

In terms of foreign policy, Europe and beyond have finally been able to grasp again how much strategic geopolitical importance we possess.

Both our relations with the new administration in Syria and our voice, which we raised even more than Arab countries regarding the atrocities suffered by our Palestinian brothers, are indicators of our firm stance. We are an important part of the search for sustainable solutions on these issues.

It is not us, but all of Europe and the world that have begun to say that we are one of the important actors towards ending the Russia-Ukraine war. We have taken our place among the most important invitees of key conferences held in Europe on this subject.

"IF OUR HOUSE IS STURDY, WE CAN REFLECT THIS POWER OUTWARD"

Furthermore, at a time when the US has begun to withdraw from ensuring European security, it is obvious that we are one of the most important pillars of the European security architecture that is being reshaped.

We see that favorable conditions have also emerged for the revitalization of our relations with the European Union.

However, as I always say, if the inside of our house is sturdy, we can reflect this power outward. Otherwise, we will miss the historic opportunity that comes our way.

"SIMILAR WRONGDOINGS SHOULD NOT BE DONE TO İMAMOĞLU"

Unfortunately, a kind of turbulence has emerged inside our house in recent days.

With nearly 3 years left until the next elections, and while some problems could be solved with political dialogue and formulas, remaining in such turmoil does not take us forward.

Let us remember how the public conscience did not accept the injustices done to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and myself in the past. Similar wrongdoings should not be done to Ekrem İmamoğlu, who was elected mayor by the will of the people.

We do not have the luxury of turning back the clock or experiencing similar troubles again. There was no need at all for initiatives that would prepare the ground for this.

These kinds of turmoil have brought no good to any segment in Turkey, neither to the government nor to the opposition, and they will not. We must not lose law and fairness. Otherwise, Turkey loses.

Of course, issues that are the subject of the judiciary must be handled in accordance with procedure. We all know that this must be worthy of universal principles. Let us remember that the legal reforms we made in the past were for this purpose.

Otherwise, today's problems will appear before us as tomorrow's burden. Tactical steps taken mutually will become obstacles in our path in the long run.

There is no benefit in the escalation of tension between the government and the opposition. Such a situation is also not sustainable.

Therefore, with so much time left until the next elections, it would be pointless to pursue a policy dominated by the language of conflict. We cannot know what tomorrow will bring yet.

Moves that will incite citizens should, of course, be avoided. While this is done carefully, the freedom of citizens to receive information should not be narrowed.

The potential effects of what is happening today on Turkey's near and distant future, from the economy to foreign policy, must be calculated well.

Therefore, there is a need for this tension to be calmed down as soon as possible.

It is important to avoid trials that could drag on and lead to a deadlock. This process should not contain a maximalist understanding.

It is time to revive the Copenhagen and Maastricht criteria, which we fulfilled with devotion as the whole country before, in the form of “Ankara” criteria.

With the reforms we will revitalize politically and economically, issues that should have no place in our present, such as bribery, gang formation, or flaws in transparency or accountability, will be automatically prevented.

In this complicated process that our world and our region are going through, it is not the time for polarization inside our house.

We know that the common goal is to carry Turkey further within the scope of the rule of law and democratic values. Let us not forget that paths other than this will bring neither happiness nor prosperity to Turkey.”