Statement on Syria from CHP Leader Özel: 'Our hearts are in our mouths'

CHP Chairman Özgür Özel attended an iftar program organized by the Manisa Metropolitan Municipality at Manisa Republic Square.

Speaking there, Özel said, "We have seen this city, where we received 6 percent of the vote in 2004, entrusted to Mayor Ferdi with 60 percent of the vote. We feel great satisfaction.

This large tent here is very meaningful. Living conditions are difficult. Unfortunately, the inflation monster is still very ruthless. Prices are high. Real inflation is over 80 percent.

Today, a retiree receiving the lowest pension unfortunately has to make ends meet with 14 thousand 500 liras, and a minimum wage earner has to raise their children, educate them, pay rent, clothe them, and take them out with 22 thousand liras. Under these conditions, the meaning of social municipalism—municipalism that sees the troubles of the citizens and is in solidarity with them—is great," he said.

"WE ARE WATCHING WITH ANXIETY"

Stating that the world is going through very bad times, Özel said, "There is a war in Ukraine. There is a war in Palestine. There is a war in Syria. Right now, with the resumption of clashes in Syria for the past few days, all of our hearts are in our mouths. We are watching with concern. We are watching with anxiety.

We expect calm to be restored there immediately and for the clashes to stop. We do not want a geography where Muslims shoot at Muslims, where brother kills brother, and where brotherly blood is shed.

We know who those stirring up those places are. Furthermore, we see that Trump wants to occupy Palestinian lands in Palestine, wants to drive Palestinians to neighboring countries, and wants to do things there that suit his own dreams and exploit the place.

Turkey must not remain silent on this. Turkey must not remain silent on Israel's state terrorism or Trump's Middle East dreams. Since the friendship between Yasser Arafat and Bülent Ecevit, and since Deniz Gezmiş embraced the Palestinian cause, the Republican People's Party and the Turkish left have been on the side of the Palestinian cause and behind the Palestinians. I want to express this once again," he said.