Statement on Syria from Ahmet Davutoğlu

Future Party Chairman Ahmet Davutoğlu said, "Everyone in Turkey must support the stabilization of Syria as soon as possible with all their intellect and energy."

In a press conference held at the Parliament, Davutoğlu stated that budget negotiations carry greater importance during periods of transformation in international relations.

Pointing out that a country's budget is as important as its armed forces, Davutoğlu stated, "While armed forces defend the country, what will support the armed forces is a country's treasury, Central Bank reserves, and budget."

Stating that while there is a war in Syria, Palestine, and Ukraine, Turkey's budget deficit this year is 2 trillion 148 billion Turkish liras, Davutoğlu said, "Putting aside the burdens that war could bring, how did we have to create additional resources when we experienced the earthquake? We are entering a riskier period with a budget deficit of 2 trillion 148 billion Turkish liras. It is a very dire picture. Everyone needs to put their head between their hands and think."

Davutoğlu argued that they do not see structural reforms in the 2025 budget that would fundamentally support the economy and attract capital to the country.

Stating that austerity cannot be achieved by keeping the minimum wage low or by transferring resources in a way that those crushed under inflation can take less bread home, Davutoğlu said, "A state that cannot feed its people during a war faces the greatest risk. This budget needs to be seriously revised to be prepared for the worst conditions."

"WE MUST CONTRIBUTE TO SYRIA ACHIEVING PEACE"

Touching upon the developments in Syria, Davutoğlu expressed the following:

"In fact, the end of the Assad regime, which had collapsed from within but was waiting for a small blow to fall, has been brought about. Now there is a new situation. Everyone in Turkey must support the stabilization of Syria as soon as possible with all their intellect and energy. My hope is for a Syria that is at peace with its neighbors, where all ethnic and sectarian groups can live together within its territorial integrity, in a way that befits human dignity. The possibility of this happening is greater than ever. In this framework, I sent a letter to the President and Mr. Devlet Bahçeli today containing an action plan regarding what needs to be done in Syria. We must contribute whatever we can, without prejudice, to the issue in Syria, so that our friendly and brotherly Syria can achieve peace as soon as possible."

Saadet Party Group Chairman Selçuk Özdağ and Group Deputy Chairman İsa Mesih Şahin, as well as members of parliament, also attended the meeting.