Babacan comments on Bahçeli’s “New Opening” move: A sincerity test is needed

DEVA Party Chairman Ali Babacan made significant assessments regarding the “new solution process” calls made by MHP leader Devlet Bahçeli concerning PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan. Visiting the Ankara Book Fair with his wife Zeynep Babacan, Babacan spoke to journalists and stated that the government needs to undergo a serious sincerity test on this matter.

'I DO NOT THINK THEY ARE SYNCHRONIZED'

Commenting on Bahçeli’s statements, Babacan expressed that the parties are not acting in coordination and used the following words:

“I do not think they are synchronized on such an important issue. Mr. Bahçeli’s statements do not appear to have been worked on in detail with the government wing. However, a meeting must have certainly taken place. In such matters, different camps within the government have influence; on one side, security-oriented approaches, and on the other, solution-oriented ones. Mr. Erdoğan sometimes moves in zigzags under the influence of these camps.”

DETAILS ARE MISSING

Stating that such initiatives must be handled in detail in terms of both security and social dynamics, Babacan expressed his belief that the statements made were not the product of comprehensive preparation. Babacan’s assessments have reignited debates over what path the government will follow regarding the solution process.