Süleyman Soylu reveals when he will leave politics! Responds to claims of forming a party

Former Interior Minister and AKP Istanbul MP Süleyman Soylu made statements regarding the current agenda.

Responding to questions from Can Bursalı of Gazete Duvar, Soylu commented on the call made by Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) Chairman Devlet Bahçeli for Abdullah Öcalan, the leader of the terrorist organization PKK, saying, "A Turkey without terrorism is the most strategic step ahead of us."

Referring to AKP Chairman and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Bahçeli, Soylu said, "The two leaders want to carry Turkey into the future in a way that is cleansed of terrorism."

Pointing to developments in Syria and Turkey's fight against terrorism, Soylu said, "Now, we need to prepare both for how we can play a role in the new world order and for the Century of Turkey. For this reason, a Turkey without terrorism is the most strategic step ahead of us. In the period since the 1980 coup, those who carried out the coup and those who ordered it gave Turkey two gift packages with red ribbons: the PKK and FETÖ..."

Stating, "Everyone, whether opposition or supporter, understands very well what Mr. Devlet is saying," Soylu assessed, "We have defeated terrorism within Turkey's borders. We are also trying to neutralize terrorism outside our borders. Now, there is a need for its total liquidation. The steps taken are for this purpose."

"WHOEVER BLOCKS THIS WILL PAY THE PRICE"

Regarding claims that Erdoğan was unaware of Bahçeli's move, Soylu said, "Our President's consensus on this speech is clear." Stating, "What we need to wait for right now is for the terrorist organization to disband itself in response to this proposal. It is that simple," Soylu noted the following:

"They are currently creating a brand new process for the Turkey of the future. Whoever blocks this will pay the price. That is why I say that no one should try to compete with the nationalism and patriotism of our President and Mr. Devlet Bahçeli. These are futile struggles. Turkey has the opportunity to lead the next half-century and all the centuries to come after that on a completely different path. If the terrorist organization does not comply with the call, Turkey's path and method are already clear. No one is surrendering to anyone here. But what is desired? It is to take the steps that will enable the realization of this Century of Turkey march in unity and solidarity."

HAD ACCUSED THE OPPOSITION DURING HIS MINISTRY

During his time as Interior Minister, Soylu had accused the opposition with the words, "They are going to release Apo."

"THE RESPONSIBILITY LIES WITH THE POLITICAL PARTIES"

Accusing political parties regarding the trustees appointed after Bahçeli's call for Öcalan, Soylu said:

"The issue of trustees is also the most important principle of the 'Turkey without terrorism' project. You ask if there is a contradiction, but the most important principle of a Turkey without terrorism is precisely the prevention of terrorism being introduced into our local administrations.

The responsibility here lies with the political parties. If political parties nominate someone whose name is mentioned in a terrorism investigation or prosecution, intent is sought here. The individuals for whom trustees have been appointed to date were nominated intentionally."

"I HAVE TAKEN PHOTOS WITH ONE-SEVENTH OF TURKEY"

Regarding the photos he took with people involved in crime, Soylu noted the following:

"Especially after mobile phones became widespread, taking photos became a part of the ordinary flow of life. I served as Interior Minister while being very much among the people. Because I come from politics.

I have taken 2 million photos with the Interior Ministry camera alone. According to our friends' estimates, I have taken photos with one-seventh of Turkey. I have done my job amidst all these photos. So they cannot tell me this: Süleyman Soylu took photos and did not do his job. There may be those among them who have been involved in crime. Has their taking a photo with me prevented their legal processes? Has it prevented what would happen to them?"

"THE DAY TAYYİP ERDOĞAN LEAVES POLITICS, I WILL ALSO LEAVE ACTIVE POLITICS"

Soylu made a noteworthy statement regarding his political life:

"Tayyip Erdoğan is my leader. I will complete my political life with this reality. There are claims about forming a party. We have a 3-term rule. I have been an MP for 4 terms. After I complete my parliamentary term, if my experience is consulted, I will contribute to our country, our cause, with my ideas and experience, provided that it is only for consultation. The day Tayyip Erdoğan leaves politics, I will also leave active politics. After that, there may be consultation, benefiting from experience, or ideas. All of these are a separate source of honor for us. After my 28th term as an MP, I will only fulfill my duty if my party consults me on something."

THE "FOOL" CASE AGAINST İMAMOĞLU

Regarding the "fool" case in which he is also involved and where a political ban is sought for İmamoğlu, Soylu said, "I am not a party to the incident. I only expressed my objection to Turkey being complained about."

"ÖZEL IS A SMALL PARENTHESIS IN CHP POLITICS"

Regarding CHP leader Özgür Özel, Soylu commented, "I see Özgür Özel as a parenthesis in CHP politics. A small parenthesis."